> There are two settings on the turntables I've had. One is the weight on
> the stylus (that big weight/knob on the back of the arm holding the
> cartridge). Calibrate it to zero by dialing the weight until the arm is
> balanced, or floating parallel, to the top of the turntable. Then set the
> weight based upon the recommendation of the cartridge manufacturer.
It's called tracking force.
Be sure to have a crappy record on the table so you don't screw up the
needle if it hits the platter.
>
> I can't remember the name of the other setting for sure, but I think it is
> called the tracking weight. It keeps the stylus from skidding sideways off
> of the record especially when using cartridges that use low stylus weights
> (1-2 grams).
>
This is called anti-skate. It combats the tendency of the arm to travel
outward against the groove. To see this in effect, set the anti-skate to
0 and with the arm floating, it should skitter off to the (out)side.
(Oops, i just read this in the last part of your message.)
> If the tracking weight is not set right, you could have problems with
> skipping during playback.
Actually that and crappy sound/damage to the vinyl should be included.
Another adjustment (not all tables have) is VTA, or vertical tracking (?)
angle. Basically it adjusts the hight of the arm at the arm tower. Roughly
speaking, you want the arm to be horizontal when sitting on the record.
You can fine tune this.. some have better luck with the arm a little
higher on the tower side so it angles down into the record.
>
> Also the tracking should be temporarily set to zero while calibrating the
> stylus weight (as above) or the arm will keep flying off to the side. The
> tracking is set with a small knob on the base of the turntable next to
> where the arm attaches to the turntable. The tracking is generally set to
> the same number as the stylus weight.
Yep. Be sure to check with the manufacturer or instructions with the
needle. If you have a good stereo shop that carries turntables nearby,
they should be glad to help you get going.. that is, set the table up for
you.
>> >I just had this horrible vision that I've been ignorantly playing records
> >and ruining all my vinyl. I'm not a big technical wizard, so I'm definitely
> >curious about all of this.
(that's why so many people have been blinded by the "perfect sound" of
CD's!!!)
please.. the weather is nice.. I'm gonna go watch the Blue Angles
tomorrow.. don't flame my pitiful buzzed hair cut ass for the non AJ
content.. I should have run when the dresser dropped her martini glass :0
G
>
>
> >-- G