Influence of stylus shapes on distortion

Hi all,
I think on getting back to the subject.
So Frank (forum alias, Berlinta), has brought up a VERY good point.
HOW, do different stylus shapes INFLUENCE the HARMONICS of the INEVITABLE distortion we have (at least with arms describing an arc, 9", 10", 12", etc.)?

We will have distortion, of course minimised as best, and according to our preference of alignment, if applicable, i.e. not SME stock-alignment.
Now, we know (do we?) that odd-order harmonics are great for Rock&Roll - kick-a.se, air-guitar, etc. and even-order harmonics more on the smoother side of it all (at least as perceived) -- think of a lot older tube-gear.

Listening to classics, instruments etc. etc. might just be better with a more even-order distortion ---- our ear can handle loads more before it becomes too much.

So theorising in this way, will give us a small trade-off in detail, but a truly interesting option. It might get us more discerning about WHAT stylus shape(s) to pick.
Of course there is, as always, more to it:
Compliance, cart weight, cantilever material, etc.
But the stylus shape is a good point to start.

Next I might also want to try and look into cantilever materials, alu, hard-alu, boron, ruby, sapphire?, etc.

Since we are amplifying EVERYTHING, the least bit of a materials specific resonance, ALL can be perceived in a reasonably resolving audio chain.
Correct me if I'm wrong.

Axel

It might be just the case that, in more recent times, I've become more picky with setup. However, I do have the impression that cartridges with fine line profiles are extremely sensitive to VTA change. I have seen the charts that show that even fairly large changes in VTA should have only small impact on sound, but, my listening experience is that that is NOT the case. I can easily hear the difference when I move the tonearm up or down less than .5mm with my Lyra Titan cartridge.

Since I have no intention to adjust VTA for different records and record thicknesses, I know that the VTA I am listening at for any particular record is not optimal. This is something I just accept. But, I have been tempted to look into 12" arms, in part because VTA changes less with changes in record thickness. To me, this is at least as important as lower tangential error.

Hi Larryi,
well said, and exactly my very own experience also.
A 0.3mm change in VTA makes a difference (as I mentioned in a reated thread) --- but should that be so critical?!
It makes a case for non-optimal VTA for many another record, depending on thickness.

I have a suspicion that neither elliptical nor round styli will behave that way, plus the possibility of a more 'pleasant' distortion behaviour as eluded to above. Have we pushed the envelope too far in search of ultimate resolution?
What would JC have to say to this heretical thought?

Best regards,
Axel

How does the shape of the diamond affect the amount of surface noise we hear?

Headsnappin,

Often, it is a big factor, particularly with used records. When records are played and damaged by a stylus, that damage tends to be located at a certain depth of groove. Another stylus that rides at a different height may avoid the damaged area.

One would expect that profiles that fit the whole groove more tightly, like the microridge and other narrow profiles with a wide vertical contact patch would be more prone to noise (cover a larger area that could be damaged, reaches toward the bottom of the groove where dirt collects). But, I have found that not to be the case in practice. Most of the better narrow profile styli cartridges I've used are LESS prone to picking up surface noise. Is this because of the profile or is it because better cartridges do a better job of controlling resonance, or some other factor? I have no idea. I just know that noise is less of an issue for me with the micro-ridge type of cartriges I've used.