2. analog
  3. 1244713018

VTA setting for 'parabolic' and 'elliptical' styli

Hi,
please let's have some expert opinions based on experience regarding this subject.
One cart manual specifically recommends negative VTA (arm down from level at pivot) for parabolic styli, as compared to some elliptical styli prefering positive VTA (arm up from level at pivot), see Townshend IEE 500 manual:
http://downloads.nakedresource.com/ve_download_centre/index.php?townshend/elitetownshend_cartridges.pdf
as seen on Vinylengine: http://www.vinylengine.com/library/townshend/eei-500.shtml

To further confuse the issue, in a manual for the Garrott P77, also using a parabolic stylus (Micro Tracer), it states the complete opposite, moving the arm UP by 4-5mm for best VTA...! That's one hell of a lot positive VTA, close to imposible to even realise with mu SME-V. (The arm begins to bottom out on the lowered arm-lift)

Could anyone shed some light on these contradictions for us?

The 'EEI 500' does work best with negative VTA, and so does my A&R P77, also sporting a parabolic stylus.
In terms of ALL line-stylus type carts (all my MCs) it was ALWAY understood that UP from level gives more treble and DOWN less treble etc. etc. (..in VERY simple terms, as we know the whole spiel).

It needs to be mentioned, that the MM carts noted above **appeared** to need more arm UP to sound correct, according to my then current experience --- indeed they seem to work the other way around! Hm...
Greetings,
Axel
axelwahl
axelwahl OP
788 posts
 
Only MC line-styli expertise out there, or am I too impatient :-)
axelwahl OP
788 posts
 
OK, some confirmation on a Shure V15 III VN35MR stylus that needs negative VTA, quote: "... this one needs neg. tracking angle, it was engineered for recordings when the angle of the cutter was frequently at 17-20 degr., not the contemporary 22-24, agreed upon sometime in the early 70's, if I remember correctly. Old recordings sound "tinny"? VTA. Let me know if I'm wrong."

Well, I think -Timeltel- is right --- and the VN35MR (Micro Line) is also 'parabolic' essentially what became a Shi(a)bata (Fine-Line --- Line-Contact?) type stylus, correct me if I'm wrong.

It is the lack of quoting a 'tracking angle' on these styli, as some do and most some don't, that makes it more difficult to get a correct answer. I have seen sofar anything from 20, to 22, to 25deg. when it is mentioned.
gregm
3,410 posts
 
Interesting. Of course, the oft quoted 21-25d usually means parallel or slightly positive vta. I don't think there is a rule: mostly a combo of urban legend and different specs/ manufacturer.
I'm not being helpful, but the problem usually lies not only in how the record was cut (about which one can only speculate, or generalise), but also on how the stylus was cut (as you note) & attached to the cantilever -- i.e. at what angle is the stylus expected to reach optimum tracking? It is a lovely example of hi-end imprecision: manufacturers raise the point and conveniently let it "float" without a solution...
I remember a V15 & Pickering 5k I had both "allowed" for negative vta. OTOH, IIRC, a VdH mc20 (OK it was mc) recommended slightly positive vta... "particularly for older records".
Other than the legends that parabolic was more tolerant of vta (hence negative) but shiabata allowed better info retrieval & longer life, I have never seen actual steadfast rule about this.
More to discover