Tri-Planar with no anti-skate?

Lewm,

I set A/S by ear. That way it's optimized for any stylus and any tonearm. I think you should do the same.

To set A/S by ear you must first set VTF by ear (with A/S temporarily disengaged or set to zero).

Once VTF is optimal, increase A/S in *tiny* increments until you have no R channel mistracking even on very dynamic, difficult-to-track LP's. The amount you'll need will vary with the equipment and even from one record to another, but it will probably be less than indicated by the standard scale on some tonearms.

The TriPlanar has no A/S scale because Herb Papier understood that different cartridges track differently and that different records act differently. This makes any A/S scale arbitrary and essentially useless. Setting by listening is ultimately the best method and it teaches you more about your rig.

I have a question.I really mean it to be proposed as such,and am in no way trying to undermine any previous thoughts.
If we set(as I do)VTF...shouldn't antiskate be employeed,along with the VTF adjustment?
Doesn't setting antiskate, seperately from VTF, change the VTF value,necessitating an aditional re-check of VTF?
Very possible my own arm,and the one I am considering getting,work differently here.

Thanks, Doug. Sirspeedy, you must live in the DC metro area, as I do. I too was a longtime friend of Herb Papier's, and my experience of him was much the same as yours, i.e., a great guy. I met Tri Mai at Herb's house, when I went there to have Herb upgrade my Triplanar to a Mk VII. Tri was learning how to make the product at Herb's side.

Sorry for the off-topic blather.

I love the triplanar arm. Along the same line, has anyone use no damping fluid at all?

Thanks

Newbee to vinyl

The TriPlanar has no A/S scale because Herb Papier understood that different cartridges track differently and that different records act differently. This makes any A/S scale arbitrary and essentially useless.

Still, a scale gives a visual marker that makes it easier to use and easier to return to a setting. Making physical adjustments in tiny increments can benefit from visual reference points. The fact that different cartridges track differently does nothing to reduce the value of knowing relative adjustment position. :-)

Tim