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What LPs do you use for VTA adjustment

Hi. I'm a newbie to this forum, and also to VTA adjustment. Been making GROSS changes to my system over the past couple of weeks, which has resulted in my getting an SME V arm to replace the RB300 on my Voyd Valdi TT, at least for now. Now for the first time, I have an arm with adjustments.

My system was optimised to my budget in the mid 80s, during my TAN (The Audiophile Network - any members here?) days: Voyd TT, British/Musical Fidelity MVT preamp, 4 MA-50 poweramps (mono 50w Class A), Rogers Studio 1a speakers vertically bi-amped, Kimber PBJ and 4TC. My current cartridge is an original Vdh MC10. The only things that have changed over the years have been cartridges and CD players.

Been playing with the HFNRR test record for tracking and anti skating adjustments. Trying to figure out what all the fuss is about VTA. The 3 records I've tried so far are Ella & Louis "Together Again" MSFL Mono, Patricia Barber "Modern Cool" MSFL, and Air "Walkie Talkie". Other than making the cartridge mistrack when the rear of the arm got too low, I'm not sure if I've honed in on the sound changes. I'm probably being overwhelmed by how good it sounds relative to the RB300, especially in the bass.

Am i right in saying its not just VTA, but a combo of VTA and VTF that needs to be adjusted? When the rear of the arm is low, more weight makes it track again.

Can you guys/gals (if any here) recommend records and tracks that YOU use for VTA setup, and what you listen for.

Right now, with the stylus in the leadout groove, using the SME V ruler to the center line on the arm, front of the arm is at the trackout groove is 1cm above the LP, rear of the arm just after the leadin groove is 0.9cm - so rear is appx 1mm lower. Anyone have or remember what setting they use on the VdH MC10? VTF at 1.8 gms.

Any volunteers in Stamford, CT that want to lend me their ears?

Thanks, Samir.
gofast
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
Raul,
I will not hijack Samir's thread to discuss what you think of me. Other than you and me, who would possibly care?

Feel free to email me if you wish to discuss this further.

Sincerely,
Doug
consttraveler
250 posts
 
Back to the original question; I most often use "In Search of the Lost Chord", Moody Blues, Deram/London, DES 18017.

I bought it in 1969 (?) and after hundreds of playings it is my reference for "tone" adjustments. It is not the greatest for space, air, etc., but the boys had good ears for tone.

The first cut, "Departure", starts with low tones and moves to the highs very smoothly and is a good indicator of if I am close with VTA.

Cut three, "Doctor Livingston, I Presume, has some close vocal harmonies that I find revealing if I am "off."

The remainder of the album varies between passages that are complex (orchestral sound) and simple (single voice, the flute in cut 5, "Legend of a Mind" (Timothy Leary is Dead), etc.).

Plus, it matches most of my collection, which is comprised of non-audiophile, retail, LP's. When I am listening to some of my more recent purchases (200 gm reissues) I change the mat to a thicker one. This gets me very close without having to drag out the tool kit.

Best regards,

Dave
gofast OP
19 posts
 
Now, this is an album I can relate to! I'm a huge Moody Blues fan, and this is one of my favorite albums too. I dialed in my VTA on my vdH MC10 + SME V, and got to the point that I was happy, and have not touched it in months..But, I think I'm going to sell the vdH and fool around with my Koetsu Black and Audionote cartridges, so I'll have to mess around with VTA again a few more times.

Thanks to everyone for the discussions on this thread..I've been lurking all summer, busy with house guests and the kids with little time to play with the stereos..Hopefully I'll have more time this holiday season.

Thanks, Samir.
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