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How to properly set VTF??


Hello there.

Just wondering which is the proper "placement" of the gauge to set the VTF for a cartridge. I use a digital gauge and normally fine tune by ear.

Method #1
Place VTF gauge directly on the turntable playing surface.

OR

Method #2
Place VTF gauge "outside" of the playing surface beyond the records edge.

I set the VTF at the recommended 1.96g using method #1. I then tried the #2 placement and the measurement read 2.14g for a difference of 0.18g

The only explanation I can think of that attributed to the weight difference is the anti-skate setting. On my arm (Tri-Planar) the anti-skate kicks in when the cartridge is on a playing surface, outside the playing surface the anti-skate is very minimal.

Which method do you think is best or is it arm dependent?

Cheers!
dogpile
inpepinnovations1e75
395 posts
 
Since the sound that you are getting is perfectly satisfactory, use either method. The next time that you 'calibrate' the VTF, just remember to use the same method. Again, this illustrates the futility of 'ultra' precision in VTF measurements.
jameswei
883 posts
 
I believe the VTF varies with the height at which the gauge takes the measurement. (Graham addresses this with the new Phantom arm, which is designed to have the same VTF regardless of height.) I would recommend reading the VTF with the needle located at the height it will be when playing a record.
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rauliruegas
13,084 posts
 
Dear Dogpile: Jameswei is right on target ( with the antiskate at zero ).

Regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
Dogpile,

I agree with Raul, agreeing with Jameswei!

When aligning a cartridge or weighing VTF, prop something beneath the TriPlanar's antiskate arm to take the side pressure off the string.

Yes, we all fine tune VTF by ear. But knowing exactly what weight sounds best can be useful on an arm like the TP, which has no fine adjustment for downforce. Resetting the c/w by ear alone could take a week!
dogpile OP
118 posts
 

Doh!! I must really be going nuts, "disengage anti-skate" thank you, thank you. If I ever have a problem with a unit powering up, I should check to see if the cord is plugged in, LOL.

I just wanted to know whether VTF should be measured ON the playing surface or OUTSIDE of the playing surface...Jameswei with his Graham made an interesting point.

I believe Doug fully understands my query (and anyone else with a Tri-Planar). I have many cartridges that I swap on a regular basis and setting VTF "properly" the first time will allow me to enjoy more music with less tweaking, ie. fine tuning by ear...

Harry :D
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