Does removing anti-skating really improve sound?

The FR64S, 66S, and 64fx all do have an anti-skate device built in. So maybe Ikeda was pinching pennies when he designed the lesser models you mention.

 I kind of disagree that the tonearm and the cartridge make a “big” difference with respect to the skating force. The skating force is generated by the friction of the stylus in the groove. So I would say the stylus tip shape may make a difference to the amount of skating force. However, if the bearIng  is very low in friction, and if the headshell offset angle is designed for any one of the three popular alignment algorithms, then the tonearm really shouldn’t make that much difference. The reason it could make a difference is if the friction at the bearing is on the high side. Thus some of the VPI tonearms that lack an anti-skate device generate an anti-skating force by virtue of the drag caused by the tonearm wires where they exit near the pivot point of the tonearm. I suppose that is true for some other tonearms that just happened to have a lot of bearing friction. I guess I agree then that if you have one of those tonearms which has friction at the pivot due either to bearings or wire drag, either of those factors could lessen the need for a separate anti-skate device. I suppose also VTF can make a difference. 

Maybe we’ll find out that the OP is using one of those VPI tonearms, and then we won’t wonder why he does not seem to need a separate anti-skate device. Or maybe we’ll never find out what tonearm and cartridge he uses.

tubelvr1,

What you have discovered is one of the more important facts about turntables- each and every one is its own unique animal. Even two of the exact same model can sound different simply due to where they are sited- rack, table or wall stand for example. It can be frustrating, because there are no simple answers. Or it can be exciting, because it opens up endless opportunities for getting exceptional performance from simple tweaks like you just did.

In all cases the correct way of going about it is what you just did: try it and listen. So congrats on that.

Now as far as anti-skating goes, here's what to listen for: breakup and/or sibilance. Both are, or can be, due to mistracking. Sibilance more often than not is in the pressing and when that is the case will be heard equally in both channels. What you want to listen for is a pattern of mistracking coming more from one channel than the other. 

Anti-skating pulls the arm away from the center. If it pulls too much then you're more likely going to get mistracking and breakup of the inner groove side. If it pulls not enough then it'll be the outer side of the groove. 

Now the right channel is on the right (away from the center) so too much anti-skate will tend to give left channel breakup. And vice versa.

So listen for breakup and if you don't hear any- or if its equally left and right- then relax and enjoy your newfound performance!

Thank you millercarbon for the detailed explanation. Does anti skating affect loudness of a channel also? I believe after removing the weight my right channel sounds equal to the left whereas before it was slightly louder.

I have a Technics SL-1200G with Ortofon Quintet Black cartridge. I calibrated the arm using a Feickert protractor.  At this point, I can't say that not using anti-skating improves SQ, but I can unequivocally say it stops tonearm skating at cartridge set down.

I have always kept anti skating on my Vector 4 on the light side, just below mid level.  I think it best for several cartridges I have owned.  I think Millercarbon’s advice is sound.