Anti-skating question

Your choice to use the sonically-based setting is correct. A grooveless LP adjustment cannot take into consideration the velocity forces encountered by the stylus in the groove of a actual LP. To confuse this issue even more, the azimuth and tracking force of the cartridge will also alter the anti-skate setting. Even the thickness differences of your test LP and the grooveless LP could be part of the adjustment difference. You should try using real music, something you really love. If the setting you have arrived at from the HINews LP still sounds like the correct adjustment, great! If not, go with what produces the most accurate channel balance and imaging, combined with clear top end and bass on the music you are most familiar with.

You have to remember that the reason anti skating is necessary is from the effect of the grooves on the stylus. Using a grooveless record is not the same as a stylus in a groove. It is a good starting point, but once the stylus tracks in a groove, it requires more anti skate. This is my least favorite part of setting up a turntable. Unfortunately the tedious method of using the test record is the only way to go. Arms can't accurately be calibrated for anti skate, so don't ever trust any factory calibrated dial. Again, it would be a good starting point. Listening by ear has always seemed bad, because it is not good to play any record over and over again. They need to rest so that the deformed plastic can return to it's proper shape. Hope I have helped.

The correct use of anti-skating bias force is to counteract the force generated by the rotating (and modulated) groove interface with the stylus. A blank album side exhibits none of the characteristics of a real record. There are a number of reasons, some of which have already been stated, but using a blank record side will always leave you with much lower anti skating than would be necessary. The method of using distortion detection is a good approach, assuming that you have a test record with increasing modulation levels. Play the record up to the modulation level that causes audible distortion noting which channel is distorting. Increase (likely) the bias force and perform the test again, hopefully you will find that the distortion now occurs only at a higher modulation level. Continue the process until you reach a point where both channels distort at the same modulation level. Keep in mind that tracking force will greatly affect your levels of bias force. A good starting point is to use the highest tracking force recommended by the cartridge manufacturer. Do not fear going even slightly higher, cartridge (and LP) wear are typically caused by inadequate tracking force, this is due to the loss of contact between the stylus and the modulated groove. Kevin Halverson

Well stated, Kevin and Albert.