Setting Anti Skate ??

Toolfan66

Tracking force = Anti skate if memory serves me right. Maybe adjust it a little here and there if needed..

As I goggled it boy it sure seems like this topic could be close to a cable thread. Well I don't want that but I am open to hear the thoughts of others that have their why of doing it, and maybe learn a little more about setting it without breaking the bank to do so.


So thoughts?

quadzilla

If you have your anti-skate set equal to your tracking force, you'll generally have too much anti-skate, but this varies by cartridge and stylus design. In other words, there is no one good answer.

[Deleted User]

The idea behind anti-skating adjustment is to provide even stylus pressure on the two groove walls, but because of having to angle the headshell in order to achieve better linear tracking there ends up being additional pressure on the inner groove wall. One approach, I remember, was to use a blank disk, one that had a groove-less band. You were to put the stylus down in the middle of this band and adjust the anti-skating until the stylus didn't move inward or outward. However, this didn't take into consideration the effects of differing groove friction generated by the offset headshell. Another approach is to temporarily wire one channel of your cartridge opposite in polarity to the other channel (swap the red and green wires at the back of the cartridge). Then begin playing a monophonic record, choose a spot near the middle of the record. Adjust the anti-skating for the lowest audio level. This should result in optimum groove pressure under a real record playing conditions.
Regards, Ken

Toolfan66

Thanks Ken,

Finding a smooth side lp is not easy.. Last time I set up my TT i just adjusted it here and there till I felt it sounded it's best and never had a problem. But since I ordered a new cart I thought I would revisit the set-up..

SCompRacer

I found the HiFi News Analogue Test LP very useful. It has tracks for setting anti skate. It is also supplied with a nice alignment protractor.

[Deleted User]

No problem, enjoy your new setup!

agfrost

Toolfan66 wrote: »

Thanks Ken,

Finding a smooth side lp is not easy.. Last time I set up my TT i just adjusted it here and there till I felt it sounded it's best and never had a problem. But since I ordered a new cart I thought I would revisit the set-up..

Looks like I found a use for "side 4" of my 3-sided Big World LP by Joe Jackson!

doctor r

I have found that about 50% of the VTF setting is a good starting point for most anti-skate or "bias" settings. The 1:1 anti-skate to VTF ratio that was recommended in the past usually is excessive and makes the reproduction not nearly as dynamic as is possible (and desired). I start at or below the 50% and then adjust by ear. If you have an album you know well you can carefully listen to the fidelity of each channel simultaneously and slowly increase the anti-skate and re listen. Initially the left channel will be stronger, clearer and more dynamic and then the right begins to emerge. When you have exceeded the best bias setting both channels seem to collapse and the music losses it's magic. Back up a little, fine tune a little, and you should be good. Takes a little patience, but you will be richly rewarded in the increased fidelity of your vinyl playback.
Rick

Sprags

Remember putting a penny on the cartridge to 'help' the stylus track better. With a penny you don't need to worry about anti- skating too much.

Toolfan66

Haha I was thinking about that today..

SCompRacer

I don't need no stinkin' pennies; I have an aluminum body!:biggrin:

Note: No records were plowed with this mod due to appropriate counterweight used.