I do the same thing and found out zenith is playing a major role on cartridge alignment. To use vta track for zenith is confirmed but I do wonder too the results of new zenith alignment.
Analog Magik
- Thread starter Tirebiter
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I spent a few hours this morning getting used to the program. I had originally used the SmarTractor to do the setup so I just started on the program to investigate and learn. Azimuth was in need of a change compared to the Fozgometer setup which from my reading I had expected, but what perplexed me the most was the need to move my VTF from the recommended 2.5g to 2.7g. I have used the entire setup steps once with a quick run through a second time and just sampling some playback. So far I like the changes I hear. Now it’s time to restart with the SmarTractor and setup there... oh yeah and there is that second tonearm...
The WallySkater work takes a few seconds to adjust. With AM you are constantly lifting the needle, adjusting, remeasuring, lifting, remeasuring etc. And when I post-measure with AM I find that the numbers are spot on.
VTF numbers from AM never work well for me. Always too light and then I end up adding weight by ear afterwards.
Don't be perplexed. AM is (I believe) unique in allowing VTF to be set so that the cartridge coils are correctly aligned inside the generator, and that alignment may mean a slightly different VTF, but that will be the correct VTF. Other parameters like VTA follow on naturally from setting VTF correctly in this way. VTF is always the very first test that I run with AM.
AM does take quite some time to fully understand, but through it I've learnt so much about the fundamentals of cartridge setup. I'm looking forward to the new version, in due course.
Thank you for your thoughts. I am starting to gain some insight into the process. After a couple of complete rechecks my VTF is now 2.58gr which i find works well. Each tour through the steps has led to changes and improvements. My azimuth is now 20.8 and 20.7 which is a lot lower than expected for my Madake but a quick check on the Windfeld Ti on my second arm (which I have not optimized yet) has it over 31 so everything seems in order. The main finding is the improvement in the presentation. I think I was focused on certain audible goals in my final tuning by ear that seemed to center on attack and instrument separation. Now the system is presenting a lot more tone with a better balanced unity while continuing to have detail woven into the soundstage. Actually so much better but surprisingly different.
Adjust, remeasure, repeat. Yes. I watched the Wally Skater video and it made me cringe the way he was letting the arm/cart flop around as he was setting up the jig. I'd probably make an expensive mistake.
Care is required regardless of system used. I've dropped the needle on the record with AM thinking the arm lift was engaged when it wasn't. *THUD* Doesn't stop me using it though... It has, however, taught me to eyeball the arm lift before lowering the arm.
Hey all.... I typically just lurk here and Rick asked me to forward this info to any AM users. To avoid appearing as a shameless shill I should disclose that I am a dealer for the software and fully believe that the Zenith setting will create quite a stir in the vinyl community.
Here's a sneak peek of AnalogMagik V2 coming down the pipe. I give full credit to our 5 Beta Testers who contributed to the development of several groundbreaking new functions.
We have 5 to 8 new functions coming !! V1 users can upgrade to V2 by simply buying the new Test LPs.
V1 + Upgrade LPs will cost less than buying V2 fresh. V2 Retail box will not have the V1 LPs, so Best get in early !!
The new functions would not have been possible without 5 true vinyl enthusiasts who gave me lots of suggestions and ideas over the past 2 yrs. There are so many true analog gurus around the world!! I give full credit to their efforts leading to AM V2. They are the true contributors to the analog world of the 21st century.
So Dave, If you wait, you will pay 10% more for V2. So buying V1 + Upgrade is 10% cheaper than V2.
I do this to reward my current user, and to encourage people to get in early. Also if you buy now, you will have the V1 + V2 LPs, but if you wait and by V2 Retail package, it will not have V1 LPs.
I usually do not go on Whats best forum, would you help me convey this message to the group ?
Thanks.
Rick
Here's a sneak peek of AnalogMagik V2 coming down the pipe. I give full credit to our 5 Beta Testers who contributed to the development of several groundbreaking new functions.
We have 5 to 8 new functions coming !! V1 users can upgrade to V2 by simply buying the new Test LPs.
V1 + Upgrade LPs will cost less than buying V2 fresh. V2 Retail box will not have the V1 LPs, so Best get in early !!
The new functions would not have been possible without 5 true vinyl enthusiasts who gave me lots of suggestions and ideas over the past 2 yrs. There are so many true analog gurus around the world!! I give full credit to their efforts leading to AM V2. They are the true contributors to the analog world of the 21st century.
So Dave, If you wait, you will pay 10% more for V2. So buying V1 + Upgrade is 10% cheaper than V2.
I do this to reward my current user, and to encourage people to get in early. Also if you buy now, you will have the V1 + V2 LPs, but if you wait and by V2 Retail package, it will not have V1 LPs.
I usually do not go on Whats best forum, would you help me convey this message to the group ?
Thanks.
Rick
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Hi Dave. So I’m not quite sure I understand. Is V1+ actually the complete full V2, plus another set of V1 disks?
As I understand it If you buy the original, you just need to buy a new test record to upgrade to V2 and the total cost (amount paid for AM1 and the AM2 test record) will be ~10% less than a new copy of V2. Plus if you just start with V2, you will not get the records that ship with V1.
Bottom line, I guess, is buy V1 before it's too late.
I'm really looking forward to V2 for its new zenith feature(s). I've already been convinced by V1 that Zenith is by far the biggest fish we have to fry during cartridge alignment. So, the more functionality available for dialing it in, the better. And not to sound like a fanboy, but I firmly now believe that zenith should be aligned by measurement and those who think they're getting it right by site or by sound are leaving performance on the table. Weird pun not intended. Sure, tweak VTA, VTF, even azimuth by ear. But zenith should be nailed by measurement. It really makes a substantial difference.
I'm really looking forward to V2 for its new zenith feature(s). I've already been convinced by V1 that Zenith is by far the biggest fish we have to fry during cartridge alignment. So, the more functionality available for dialing it in, the better. And not to sound like a fanboy, but I firmly now believe that zenith should be aligned by measurement and those who think they're getting it right by site or by sound are leaving performance on the table. Weird pun not intended. Sure, tweak VTA, VTF, even azimuth by ear. But zenith should be nailed by measurement. It really makes a substantial difference.
Zenith is indeed of very high importance. Successful Zenith correction is ensuring the right phase, high channel separation and very low distortion therefore great sound and lifelike experience.
I, and others, have found that AnalogMagik's azimuth crosstalk readings are generally a bit lower than what one would expect based on a cart's spec. As the cart is optimized, it gets closer though. For example, after critically adjusting a Lyra Delos (spec is > -30dB), I would get -29.23dB Left/-29.21dB Right using AnalogMagik. Close. As a comparison, using Ajdust+ on the same day and setup resulted in -34.9dB Left/-35.3dB Right. I assume these differences are due to differences in algorithm. In any case, it works.
I don't think a dongle change will be needed since there will not be an additional software charge to move from V1 to V2. The only requirement will be a new test album with the requisite tracks for the new features.
dave
