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VTA my compromise in setting

I installed a new Audiomods Classic Six tonearm replacing a 37 year old Rega RB300 .  During install I had to make a decision on where to set the VTA since it has to be locked in .  I settled on using a 160gr record for my compromise , this being only a little lower than many of today's 180gr and slightly raised for most of my 50's , 60's and 70's collection .  This leaves my few 200gr and those 100gr to 120gr RCA dynaflex records very compromised .

For those who have the option to lock your setting in where did you decide to compromise ? 

 

vair68robert
testpilot
949 posts
 

SME like my ex-Rega have tapered arms making the use of a level arm

Use the headshell to determine if the tonearm is parallel to the platter  

 

 

vair68robert OP
625 posts
 

Happy Thanksgiving 

True, first I check to see if the cartridge is level then I use the straight arm because you have a longer parallel line for better accuracy .

Now in about an hour I'll be ready for pumpkin and pecan pie .

 

dekay's avatar
dekay
5,597 posts
 

I set VTA to what the major majority of my 2000, or so, LP's are thickness wise (I don't know the weight).

My SME 3009 II non-improved is not completely level to the platter, but it's close and sounds fine.

As mentioned, I never experienced sound differences with slight VTA variations until I started using Grado.

I have Silver and Gold Grado Prestige bodies and the removable OEM styli appear to be the same.

The Silver and Gold sound the same to me, though the Gold had a higher retail price.

My main speakers are vintage 8" wide band single drivers (Stephens Trusonic 80FR and Elac S-517), so I'm missing response below 50Hz and above 10K-11K Hz.

Your cartridge seems to be fine with slight variations in VTA as were the Sure V15 III's I used for years.

DeKay

vair68robert OP
625 posts
 

Happy Day After Thanksgiving dekay

I had a Gold Prestige and liked it before I started using a Sonata and then a Master wood body . 

I only know the weight because I use my wife's food scale which I use for the records and making chocolate chip cookies . For $10.00 ! at Amazon you might check it out .

 

 

 

 

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