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A question about tracking/skating

Hello,

My question concerns the tracking/anti-skating settings on my Pioneer PL-90 Reference table with AT125LC Audio Technica cart (but this question would apply to any turntable that I own). Tweaking turntable settings to achieve optimal sound boggles me. In my mind, setting the tracking to the lowest possible setting to allow the stylus to make "just-enough" contact makes sense to me since it seems that this would greatly reduce record and stylus wear. I currently have mine set at 0.75g (which seems extremely low from what Ive read). With that said, what is the cost/benefit of increasing/decreasing tracking pressure? I know that there are suggested tracking pressures, but do you all use them?
Second, what is anti-skating really about? It seems that regardless of how high/low I adjust my anti-skating settings, it does not alter sound/function one iota.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated as I am a mildly experienced vinyl noob that would like to make the most out of my system and the Internet has provided 'reccommendations' but I want to hear from experience.

Thanks,
Justin
sevencentsound
stefanl
296 posts
 
Start at the manufacturer's recommended tracking-force.Contrary to what you might think a too light tracking-force has a better chance of ruining your records than a slightly too heavy one.There is plenty in the archives about this.I use my own ears as a final arbiter,weather can be a factor....The anti-skate effect differs with the arm,it is not the same across the board.I can hear anti-skate adjustments.But your tracking weight should be correctly set first.Do that now!
dopogue
1,773 posts
 
Agree. You're trying to track WAY too light.
nrchy's avatar
nrchy
2,124 posts
 
Everything posted so far is good advice. When the tracking force is too light the cartridge can be 'springy' and can cause damage to the LP and cartridge. My preference is to lean toward the high side of the manufacturers recommended tracking force.

Anti-skating prevents the cartridge from applying uneven pressure to one side of the groove wall, and putting pressure on the cantilever. I don't know why your adjustments are not changing anything, seems weird.

There is a reason for manufacturers recommendations, try to follow them. Minute adjustments are generally need for optimum sound, but they will be close to MR.
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