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RS-3 owners: Seeking anti-skate help

Hello - I recently acquired the RS-3 headshell and attached it to my SME 3009 series II (unimproved). I followed the directions from the dealer to the letter and the sound, to date, is nothing shy of riveting, honestly. I am curious, however, if anyone with a similar set-up can comment on whether or not you are using the anti-skate rig. It is not 100% clear that the headshell completely compensates for the table's wanton tendency to pull the arm inwards, so I have set it up currently with the anti-skate weight in place, yet was wondering about the protocol of others, or if there is an official word on this?

Thank you for your help
nycwine1
lewm
13,423 posts
 
As far as I know, the whole rationale for the design of the RS3 is to eliminate the skating force. To the extent that there probably is some small amount of friction in the pivot point of the headshell, that may generate some skating force, but it ought to be very tiny, much too tiny to require you to use the AS mechanism of your tonearm. In considering my response, please take note of the qualifier: "as far as I know".

It's always wise to experiment for yourself; try it with and without anti-skate and determine which you like best.
quiddity
119 posts
 
It is not possible for the RS-3 to eliminate the skating force.

The skating force exists because the arm has a fixed pivot and the frictional reaction force from the stylus in the groove does not pass through that pivot point. SInce the RS-3 changes neither of these it cannot and does not eliminate skating force.

I wish someone would explain how this thing is meant to work, all the explanations I have seen defy the laws of physics.
dopogue
1,773 posts
 
It may not be possible to eliminate the skating force, but after a couple of months' experience with the RS arm (not the headshell), you come to understand that -- laws of physics or not -- it simply doesn't matter.

I know, I know.

This was SONICALLY the finest arm I ever used. It got more music out of that groove than my JMW, SME and cherry wood tonearms. On the other hand, I found it an ergonomic nightmare. I always wondered whether the headshell alone would be the perfect compromise, but unfortunately I have no arm on which it can be used.

Bottom line: Enjoy the thing and ignore the anti-skating issue. Good luck, Dave
lewm
13,423 posts
 
Thanks, Quiddity, for correcting me. I am guilty of believing the box that the RS-A1 comes in, rather than thinking about what is actually happening. It's good to know you're still out there somewhere. Would the pivoting headshell have any effect to ameliorate the skating force?
maxson
81 posts
 
I have the RS Labs arm, and it has no provision for anti-skating. Just another data point.
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