VTA: am I nutz?


Here's why I think I may need to have my head examined. (OTOH, I *did* hit it on the ice last week...hmm...) Anyway, my several weeks' experience in adjusting VTA during play on my Aries 2/JMW-10/Denon 103D has led me to the following conclusion: what I expected was that somewhere in the range of adjustment would be a smaller range which sounded better than the rest, and that below it would be dark and lacking in highs, and above it would be hard and bright.

However, my observation is that no such range exists. Rather there is ONE CORRECT SETTING for each record, from which you may not deviate. Nor is the "above is bright" and "below is muddy" rule always the case. In fact, I find that there is very little variation either above or below the magic setting.

Now this may sound contradictory, but it IS true that I make all my adjustments from record to record within a range of about 20-30 increments on the dial. So while the sound doesn't vary in any logical way within that range, the IDEAL setting will always be found within that range. And yes, thicker records will require a higher setting while thinner will require a lower. No mystery there.

I guess my question is this: is this "only one magic point" finding in agreement with that of other people? Or am I some kind of analog mental case?

Please, 'cause I'm about ready to order the straitjacket... ;-)
bublitchki
Johnnantias, Thanks for the reference to the new(?) Sumiko cartridge - I'm all for anthing that makes this vinyl habit less time intensive.
You're welcome Newbee, check out the reviews, which make this object nigh-irresistable IMO. What I look for in a review is above all an account by the reviewer that he found it difficult to concentrate because of musical magic. Then I'm interested. The Sumiko reviews seem to be unanimous in this. The Blackbird also uses this stylus profile, at a lower cost. I'm sure there are others, but this is just off the top of my head. This hobby certainly has no shortage of "issues"!
As long as we're speaking of remote control items, I still want to market "audiophile" casters for under each speaker or speaker stand corner. These would each have a separate motor, controlled with a joy stick. Then, a person could adjust speaker position, toe in, the works, all while remaining in the "sweet-spot". The very epitome of comfort, laziness, and, um, decadence.... ;-)
Here's my suggestion for a name for our new company:

LOAD (Lazy Old Arthritic Dorks) Audio, Inc.

Corporate headquarters will be in one of those heavily retirement-oriented communities like Scottsdale, Arizona.

Gee, I love the idea of sitting on my ass, adjusting VTA, and raking in the cash...