The idea of measuring SRA using a digital microscope seems to be about as current as last year‘s high fashion. In recent weeks or months, there have been a few convincing posts by knowledgeable persons in the field suggesting that most of us would not know how to use the microscope to determine the true rake angle of the stylus, because it requires an intimate understanding of the geometry of the stylus tip you are dealing with. And modern styli are very complex in shape. Thus, it is difficult to know exactly how the contact points on the stylus tip are contacting the LP groove just by looking at it sideways via a common digital microscope. So you can search here and elsewhere in archives and probably find lots of information on this, and it may make you feel better to do so, But take it all with a grain of salt. For me, the realization that this process could not really be done with a high degree of certainty by someone like me made me feel really good, because I did not want to be bothered with it in the first place.
Digital Microscope advice SRA
I have my digital microscope (DM) installed on my laptop. I want to use it to aid me in my stylus rake angle SRA.Has anybody tried this before? I'm looking for any helpful ideas or aids from someone who has gone through this before.I understand that the TT platter should be taped or otherwise kept from moving. I'm thinking that some sort of white background to have as a contrast. I intend on using an old Album of no use as a platform to make sure of the correct height with the stylus resting on it.
I've already figured out how to get the angle degrees with the software. So am I forgetting anything?Just using it to inspect how clean it is. Is a P.I.T.Arse. Any little movement and where did the stylus go? I have to readjust everything again.
BTW, I'm using FLUX hi fi stylus cleaner Which works beautifully I might add, 10 seconds and wow. spotless.
I've already figured out how to get the angle degrees with the software. So am I forgetting anything?Just using it to inspect how clean it is. Is a P.I.T.Arse. Any little movement and where did the stylus go? I have to readjust everything again.
BTW, I'm using FLUX hi fi stylus cleaner Which works beautifully I might add, 10 seconds and wow. spotless.
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- 17 posts total
It can be done -- but is a PiTA and also can be next to impossible depending on your stylus profile My detailed methodology is presented here https://www.audioasylum.com/cgi/vt.mpl?f=vinyl&m=1084171&VT=T Since then however I've moved on to two alternative options 1) Simply measure directly using a tool like this -- then fine tune by ear http://www.rutherfordaudio.com/shop/default/brands/acoustical-systems/smartstylus.html 2) Or (best) use the AnalogMagik software and take the guesswork out -- but it will cost you! |
The idea of measuring SRA using a digital microscope seems to be about as current as last year‘s high fashion. In recent weeks or months, there have been a few convincing posts by knowledgeable persons in the field suggesting that most of us would not know how to use the microscope to determine the true rake angle of the stylus, because it requires an intimate understanding of the geometry of the stylus tip you are dealing with. And modern styli are very complex in shape.It's not just the stylus shape that makes it difficult. The reality is that it takes a big change at the pivot-end to make an audible difference at the stylus end. I had VTA on-the-fly 30 years ago, I wanted that magic 'snap into focus' moment. But it took very large adjustments to hear any meaningful change. It was a VDH 1 stylus, with a very sharp edge — it should have been dramatic. I was so disappointed. This puts it in perspective... https://www.tnt-audio.com/sorgenti/vta_e.html |
- 17 posts total