Inner Tracks Sound Raspy

VTA is basically stylus geometry, groove tilt. Its importance is determined by complexity of stylus shape...a simple elliptical like the Grado signature only has to be approximately right. Other more complex shapes become critical because the actual stylus playing edge is shaped/directional. VTA doesn't care where you are on the record circumference.

Alignment is basically trying to get the stylus parallel to the groove to the best approximation possible. I say approximation because with a round record and pivoting arm you will start to deviate slightly as soon as you leave your measurement point. If alignment is badly off stereo imaging is compromised because you read one channel ahead of the other.

None of these generate tracking distortion, only loss of musical detail.

Its entirely possible that all that is needed is a record weight or clamp to insure tight contact between record and matt because the record label height is causing space and vinyl resonance thats damped further away from the label. If the matt itself has no concavity for the record label area a better mat should be purchased.

Thanks Davide256: Your advice is helpful for all A'gon members who own turntables.

As far as VTA is concerned, based on the posts above, I will need to purchase a protractor. Where's the best place to get one??

Regarding alignment, I take your point about a round record and pivoting arm. How do I check and adjust alignment? Because I'm dealing with a stock arm, I assume the only adjustment I can make is moving the cartridge backward or forward in the mounting shell.

Finally, the mat and record clamp are great suggestions. Again, where's the best place to pick up that stuff? BTW, if the record clamp is heavy, I surmise that the extra weight could prematurely wear the TT platter bearing. Do you agree?

Thanks again. BIF

Good luck. :-)

the Pro-Ject Align it Cartridge Allignment Tool
($169 at Needle doctor) is very similiar to the Denneson tool I used. This had the virtue that you could lock it into position and was accurate regardless of the spindle, arm bearing center distance because you adjust it to that distance. It also provides a mirror surface so that you can check and adjust the cartridge body to be parallel to the record surface. You can craft a tool yourself by taking a flat record size disc, etching a right angle, drilling the center hole for the record spindle, then etching a 1mm line separated grid at the mid point of the record playable area. I've seen a number of this design but they are a PITA because you use line of sight for the arm bearing center and its hard to adjust without accidentally moving the platter/alignment disc.
Alignment actually requires rotation ofthe cartridge body for final adjustment. There should be enough play to make the needed adjustment if the arm pivot point is located at the manufacturer designed distance from the record spindle.

I prefer clamps to weights, more pressure on the record, less weight on the bearings. height can be a problem with a closed dustcover. Sota products are good but pricey and tall. The JA Michell record clamp should be a good choice to avoid height problems, also available at Needle doctor.

Davide256, thank you very much. BTW, I checked Vinyl Engine for cartridge alignment tools. They have some very helpful and inexpensive tools available there, even some custom set ups for Thorens TTs. Thanks also for the advice on the TT clamp vs the weight. That makes a lot of sense. I'll make the adjustments and come back with a report. I've gotta believe that there are many other folks in the same position as me. So many thanks for the great advice!