Antiskating .... The last analog secret

If an LP sounds distorted the primary causes are vinyl damage and misalignment. Others are excessive gain, etc.

You're right when you say "there is no getting rid of this" if the record is damaged. That is irreversible.

However, given an undamaged record, a properly aligned cartridge, and a well matched tonearm, distortion can be minimized to an imperceptible level. A zen master is not necessary; only patience and a little know how.

There is a good summary post out on AudioAsylum by Rob Doorack on October 26, 2007:

Jonathan Carr, the auteur behind the Lyra line, once wrote that he tried to design an arm that varied AS compensation as the arm arced across the record; he abandoned the effort when the design got too complicated to be practical.

For me, it's get-it-close-and-call-it-good-enough.

Hey Stltrains and Doug,

I haven't tried any real torture tracks but so far I'm having very good results running with no AS weight at all with my heavier XV-1s. But I'm wondering why not just loosen the screw holding the end of that line on the AS rather than tying it up?

Hello Dan very good point now that this move is giving us better sound your thought is next on my list. I have played quite a few tough tracking lps with out any noise or mistracking, know AS looks to be a winner for our ears. I think Triplaner is a winner also.

Audiogon threads and the people who contribute most certainly bring better sound to all. You and Yours and All have a very Merry Christmas day.

Actually, I decided to go a bit farther. Hope I don't end up needing AS. It can still be done, but it will take a few minutes longer. ;-)