Setting Anti-Skate on VPI Fatboy Tonearm

If you need to use the VPI anti-skate device (depends on the arm and cart, IME), the easiest way to set it is with the Peter Lederman method as previously mentioned. Using an LP with a wide lead-out groove or a grooveless LP helps with this. Then make sure that (1) when the tonearm is at the lead-in groove, the 2 arms of the anti-skate device are pointing at 9:30 o’clock as you look from the front of the TT, and (2) when the tonearm is at the lead-out grove, the 2 arms of the anti-skate device are pointing at 11:45 o’clock (where there is the maximum anti-skating force being exerted). From my measurements, this results in minimizing distortion, especially any large differences in distortion as between the L and R channels (which is what you are trying to achieve).  Of course, the fishing line should be as close to the center/fulcrum of the anti-skate device as possible, and connected with 1 or 2 doughnuts to the arm that has the edges on it.

VPI anti skate.....don't bother per VPI(HW)
You absolutely need A/S per Soundsmith.

You can drive yourself mad worrying which suggestion is correct.

I can't hear a difference either way on my Classic. I've gone periods with and without.

Following SS advice, you will have to use considerable weight to slow the arm down at the run out groove. Those little orings are too light.

The VPI setup is low tech. No AS is perfect anyway. It needs to be a live system monitoring and correcting itself as a record plays.

That said, I use a compromise setting of about  1.5 grams. Doesn't appear to slow the arm down, but it's something to slow down the uneven stylus wear?

Enjoy the music, at least it's not affected by what's going on now.

Thanks edwyun for that incredibly helpful description of how to setup the VPI anti skate!  Much appreciated!

stereo5 and tablejockey: Thank you for your responses.  I have been reading posts by Harry at VPI, and articles/videos by Lederman at Soundsmith.  It seems that both are in somewhat agreement that anti-skate is not so important for sound quality.  I really liked Lederman's discussion of why the high decibel anti-skate tracks on test records like my HiFi News greatly exaggerate the sonic effects of anti-skate.  It seems that Lederman's primary motivation for using anti-skate is to minimize asymmetrical wear on record grooves and styli.  

tablejockey, I like your philosophy: give a little anti-skate compensation, not too much, then stop worrying about it and enjoy the music!

Thanks everyone!
Cheers,
TMQ