VTA Adjustment

No Ohlala, it's not like I would know about this distributor, but I know an elitist attitude about the qualifications for admission to the analog fraternity when I see one (what's wrong with learning by doing?). You're right, of course - a TT's manual shouldn't necessarily be expected to give fundamental lessons on the why's and wherefore's of set-up geometry. But the documentation with this particular TT sounds substandard - and anyway, a good distributor should always be willing to help out customers who purchase his products, so don't lay it on Mythtrip (or me) if this distributor doesn't fit that description.

I apologize for the way I worded my statement. What I meant was that there is no reason why you would know that ASL is particularly unresponsive to consumers. One would naturally assume some sort of complaint to a dist. would be worthwhile, but in this case, its not worth the trouble to dial.

My first TT was an NA. Before I set it up, I learned about how to set it up, so I did not have any problems with the instructions. The "manuals" are cheap, but good enough. Knowing what VTA is makes how to adjust it clear, seriously w/ no snobbiness.

My post was geared so Mythtrip would have to bridge the gap from theoretical to setup with the intent of encouraging a deeper knowledge of what is going on with TT setup. And when one finds that VTA is related to the angle of the arm tube, it is obvious how to adjust this on the Spacedeck. If one has to routinely ask setup questions, I doubt the TT will be optimally setup. Its easier and better for good setup to just click over the AA FAQ and learn what's what.

"(what's wrong with learning by doing?)."

With out some knowledge base in setup, learning by doing takes forever and could lead to costly errors.

I can be elitist, but I am not an anolog elitist. I am not even in the frat. If this post has perturbed or insulted anyone, please chalk it up to my eliteness. No offense meant.

The Great One:),

Well Ohlala, I didn't figure you really were - or maybe meant to be - an 'analog elitist' (or one of any kind), based on my knowledge of you from numerous other threads. And I knew you weren't trying to put me down for not being familiar with the NA distributor. It was just that it seemed you were chastising Mythtrip for presuming to buy a TT without first being experienced or already having a good theoretical grounding in matters analog. Since he's given us an inkling that 'knows what he doesn't know', so to speak, I didn't see any call to discourage him (or anyone else, neophyte or not) when he comes to the forum asking the right questions. Peace, Z.

vta, don't let all this banter scare you off Mythtrip, like anything else when you don't know how to do something it is mysterious and seemingly hard to do. Let me assure you it is not hard, it only requires patience and the right tools.

You will need a level, a alignment gauge protractor, and a stylus pressure gauge. I have a protractor that has a line running down the length of the gauge about 5 inches long this is handy to check vta reference.

After you have leveled your table set the overhang with the alignment protractor, this is important to good sound. Then set your stylus pressure to the recommended force. After that you put a lp on your turntable lower the arm on to the non-spinning lp, this is where that protractor with the line on it comes in. just place the gauge on the lp right behind the armtube and look at it from the side. You will be able to see if your arm is lower in the front or back, what you want to do is get it so the arm is parallel with the record, this is your starting point. Here is a link to help you fine tune. Happy listening,
Ron

http://www.walkeraudio.com/fine_tuning_your_turntable.htm

Mythtrip, you haven't contacted me as Brulee volunteered :-) but I will add one more thing with respect to VTA. There should also have came with your Spacedeck a short spirit level. Carefully place this in line with your arm on top of the headshell and lower the arm via the queuing device onto an old record of an "average" thickness. You can tell by the level whether your arm is "ass up" or "ass down". For my cartridge, Shelter 501, the best VTA setting is just a cat whisker low in the rear. A perfecetly level VTA is a good point from which to srat. Make minor adjustments up and down to dial in your pickup.

Also, ASL will tell you that Nottingham recommendeds a spindle to pivot distance of 210mm for the SPACEARM. Experience shows that MANY pickups will not meet the null points during alignment if the distance is set thus. After extensive trial and error, I have determined, and Wally of Wally Tractor fame agrees, that the proper spindle to pivot distance for the SPACEARM is 206mm.