Dave is a really insightful guy. I'm amazed by how much great gear has 'Slagle Inside'
The importance of VTA, SRA and Azimuth - pics
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Dave is a really insightful guy. I'm amazed by how much great gear has 'Slagle Inside'
Nice shots on this thread! Really. But what are you now doing sitting in front of your wonderful diamond shots, maybe also drawing frames and angles on the print images trying to find out if your SRA is in between 91-92 degrees at best?
Hmm – you may change the tonearm parameters, VTA and VTF of course. But does this really address the issue? –Is this really the right way to adjust the SRA of your cartridge’s stylus?
I thought I really had optimized my geometry approaches to all tonearm and cartridge adjustment issues in the last years.
But how to deal with the SRA issue?
I was discussing this with my friends, “why isn`t there any tool on the market enabling the user to adjust azimuth, offset, overhang and SRA/VTA at the spot - right at the cartridge, without the so far inevitable by-effect of changing the static/dynamic parameters of the tonearm by lowering the tonearm’s base and thus moving the arm pipe away from the theoretical and practical ideal of the static balanced and resting horizontal level”?
And now I found it:
The first Headshell with flexible SRA - without changing the tonearm parameters!!!
read more:
Hmm – you may change the tonearm parameters, VTA and VTF of course. But does this really address the issue? –Is this really the right way to adjust the SRA of your cartridge’s stylus?
I thought I really had optimized my geometry approaches to all tonearm and cartridge adjustment issues in the last years.
But how to deal with the SRA issue?
I was discussing this with my friends, “why isn`t there any tool on the market enabling the user to adjust azimuth, offset, overhang and SRA/VTA at the spot - right at the cartridge, without the so far inevitable by-effect of changing the static/dynamic parameters of the tonearm by lowering the tonearm’s base and thus moving the arm pipe away from the theoretical and practical ideal of the static balanced and resting horizontal level”?
And now I found it:
The first Headshell with flexible SRA - without changing the tonearm parameters!!!
read more:
Well that's pretty cool. If I had an arm with a removable headshell I would pick one up. You still need an arm with adjustable VTA to adjust for different record heights.
I wonder if the guy in the article reset his overhang after he adjusted SRA? I would think that overhang would be effected even more when adjusting SRA on this headshell because the arc traced by this adjustment would be steep.
I think some of Soundsmiths upper end cartridges have SRA and azimuth adjustment built in as well.
Sean
Yes - you need adjustable tonearm height to address different record height. But that is needed aside from SRA setting anyway.
As far as I have observed, the change in overhang is minimal as you dial in SRA. So little, that it's hard to spot.
As far as I have observed, the change in overhang is minimal as you dial in SRA. So little, that it's hard to spot.
That's true. Now that I think about it more I don't think overhang will be effected more by setting SRA at the headshell but it would be interesting to test it out to make sure.
I am not sure whether or if you have read the article by Geof Husbands on VTA, where he questions the effect of VTA adjustment taking into account:
1. variation in record thickness
2. that such miniscule adjustments at the base of an arm translate to very small adjustments at the stylus
Whilst I am not wanting to rake up an argument, one thing that did catch my eye/ear and interest me was that he seemed to form a conclusion of sorts that the VPI 12 inch arm is very sensitive to VTA - that being the case, is it a feature of Unipivots to be more sensitive to VTA? Is it a case that their inherent mechanical instability is such that VTA takes on greater importance? Is it in fact arm specific - ie Roy gandy at Rega thinks vta adjustment is, once set a waste of time between records.
1. variation in record thickness
2. that such miniscule adjustments at the base of an arm translate to very small adjustments at the stylus
Whilst I am not wanting to rake up an argument, one thing that did catch my eye/ear and interest me was that he seemed to form a conclusion of sorts that the VPI 12 inch arm is very sensitive to VTA - that being the case, is it a feature of Unipivots to be more sensitive to VTA? Is it a case that their inherent mechanical instability is such that VTA takes on greater importance? Is it in fact arm specific - ie Roy gandy at Rega thinks vta adjustment is, once set a waste of time between records.
Hi Loheswaran, I used to have a VPI 10.5i on a VPI Classic 1. I did not notice that VTA was more critical than any other arm I've had. Also had a Rega, Reed, and now a Schroder LT. I do not believe it is arm specific. The physics are the same no matter what arm you use. It can be less critical depending on the cartridges stylus shape though. A spherical stylus will not show much, if any change. Eliptical is more critical. Then you have some more advanced shapes like shibata, fine line, micro ridge, Gyger, etc. The more radical the stylus shape the more critical it is to get VTA/SRA right. Here is a link to an article about stylus shapes. https://sites.google.com/site/zevaudio/turt/stylus-shape-information
As for adjusting SRA between records, that is something you should play with and decide for yourself. Some people feel it is worth the effort, and others don't. Although I acknowledge that it makes a difference. It is not worth the effort for me.
Hello Bill,
I am looking to buy a USB Microscope for SRA measurement. Do you like your Dino-Lite AM4014ZT4 with 400-470x?
How do you use the MS-15x Object Stage with the Dino-Lite for adjusting SRA? Do you put a microscope stand (which one?) on top of it to provide precision moving? Or do you put the Dino-Lite directly on top of the MS-15x (how do you attach it?)?
Another option that I am considering is the Supereyes A005+ with Z004 stand.
Thanks,
Vicente
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Interesting reading. A couple of months ago I bought the Feickert 'Adjust +' package & learnt my Atlas needed azimuth to be set at +.7 degree (I previously had it set to zero). With VTA I just have the tonearm parallel to gravity, I have repeatable adjustments to maintain a parallel tonearm for 180-200, 155, 125 & 100g LPs & I initially set VTF again with the arm parallel while resting on the scales. To my understanding this would ensure VTF is constant if the tonearm is kept parallel, sometimes I don't bother changing from the 180 setting for 155g LPs but do for the lightweights.
With the azimuth correctly set there was a noticeable improvement, the middle area of the soundstage seemed more solid, interestingly some LPs that were a little noisy between tracks (not clicks/pops, just audible surface noise) are now silent or all but. I hadn't played the QRP Tea for the Tillerman for quite a while, my memory was that I didn't sound that good & there was sibilance, well I've just played it and there is zero sibilance except for a little in Father & Son (I do remember this track was very unpleasant), the whole LP now sounds pretty darn good!! Just played 'In Your Eyes' of Gabriel's SO (Classic 45), it's better than previous but still a bit of excessive sibilance, think it's just in the pressing. I've notice generally with records that had occasional excessive sibilance, whereas before the excessive bits would often come from the right speaker, with the correct azimuth the sibilance is now more centred and not as prominent, often not really noticeable unless you are listening for it. I can really recommend the Adjust +, except for platter speed adjustment I've not tried the other things that it measures.
With the azimuth correctly set there was a noticeable improvement, the middle area of the soundstage seemed more solid, interestingly some LPs that were a little noisy between tracks (not clicks/pops, just audible surface noise) are now silent or all but. I hadn't played the QRP Tea for the Tillerman for quite a while, my memory was that I didn't sound that good & there was sibilance, well I've just played it and there is zero sibilance except for a little in Father & Son (I do remember this track was very unpleasant), the whole LP now sounds pretty darn good!! Just played 'In Your Eyes' of Gabriel's SO (Classic 45), it's better than previous but still a bit of excessive sibilance, think it's just in the pressing. I've notice generally with records that had occasional excessive sibilance, whereas before the excessive bits would often come from the right speaker, with the correct azimuth the sibilance is now more centred and not as prominent, often not really noticeable unless you are listening for it. I can really recommend the Adjust +, except for platter speed adjustment I've not tried the other things that it measures.
just bought one of there protractors - very cool
Acoustical Systems The SMARTractor
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xef-1CzwjCg
I've been following this tread and others relative to proper SRA procedures. I ordered and received an USB microscope and found that my SRA setting was well past the desired 92 degrees. Even after I lowered my arm (Graham 1.5TC - Phantom Elite on order) to the lowest setting I still couldn't get within 4 degree of where I needed to be. And my cartridge sounder worse (dull & lifeless) when I lowered it to the maximum allowable position.
So my question is... if I must shim the backside of my cartridge (Koetsu Rosewood Signature) in order to get it to the desired 92 degree setting, what should I use for shim material. I've seen several negative comments about the use of a shim and the detrimental impact it has to the sound of the cartridge.
Kyle
So my question is... if I must shim the backside of my cartridge (Koetsu Rosewood Signature) in order to get it to the desired 92 degree setting, what should I use for shim material. I've seen several negative comments about the use of a shim and the detrimental impact it has to the sound of the cartridge.
Kyle
Another way to adjust SRA is by affecting VTF, in your case, increase it in order to lower it. But don't forget, all these adjustments affect overhang, alignment and azimuth, so you have to re-adjust. I would resort to shimming as the last option. So is your VTF where it needs to be?
ack...
Yes, all adjustments other than SRA are spot-on. It appears as though the only option I have to get into the 92 degree SRA setting is to shim the back portion of my cartridge. If I must do so, I'm looking for input on what to use as shim material.
Yes, all adjustments other than SRA are spot-on. It appears as though the only option I have to get into the 92 degree SRA setting is to shim the back portion of my cartridge. If I must do so, I'm looking for input on what to use as shim material.
I have no idea what works best... call up a couple of dealers and MusicDirect to see if they have anything to offer
With all parameters except SRA spot on, how does it sound ? That's the only true test and all the SRA theory IMHO is a lot of hokum pokum. My recipe is simple : align the cart with a good protractor preferably one with 2 null points, set VTF and have the arm as parallel as can be. Then slowly adjust VTA, either begin by lowering the arm base or raising it until you hit a sweet spot. Obviously use a recoding that you are familiar with. I have never bothered about SRA. Read the review of the Lyra Etna in Stereophile and the manufacturers comments.
Pradeep
+1
Null point adjustments and overhang are the key here. If they are not set properly, the rest of the adjustments/trials will not be effective. If you have a Graham arm, then go with its own aligment jig, it has been proven to be better. Regarding vta, if you have a recent Graham tonearm , it should have air bubble level so trying vta is very easy to play around flat bubble level. Remember to check azimuth setting for even small adjustments in vta/vtf combination as it may change from its ideal position, for best results you can use either a fozgometer or adjust+ software. I would not worry about SRA too much being honest.
i have used a fozgometer to set the azimuth on a benz micro m1 , it now sounds perfect , on a sme 309 i was able to adjust the cartridge by twisting the head shell until the fozgometer was reading equal for both sides , i did not bother with the vta , becuse of the differences in thickness of the vinyl it would mean every time i would have to set the arm up to the LP , regardless, for me that is just a step too far , i want to listen to music ,as i dont live in a laboratory, and we all hear differently and have different tastes in music , The Fozgometer was the easy way for me to set the cartridge up ,
Dear friend: the first headshell with VTA was and is that in the link. Maybe you could say that the one you pictured is the first copy that between other things that design seems to have foundation in a way resonant all metal vintage Orsonic headshell. Anyway this is the link:
https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/dual-vta-adjustable-headshell-cs-5000-149157327
Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS.
Dear friend: yes SRA but the first cartridge to has it was the AKG top of the line, that I still own and is superlative performer, you can see here:
https://www.ukaudiomart.com/details/649119407-akg_p100le/images/730369/
Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS,.
Dear friend: good. That protractor comes from the Dennesen one that I still own ( metal version. ) and now out of production:
"" The Dennesen U.S.patent number 4,295,277 cites Baerwald (who follows Lofgren) and uses nulls of 2.6" and 4.76" which are nulls resulting from the equations for IEC inner and outer recorded radii, of 2.375" and 5.75" For the Dennesen, like the Acoustical Systems Uni-protractor, now called the Smartractor, (which uses the Dennesen principle but doesn't particularly credit him), the arm mounting distance (pivot to spindle distance, P2S) can be obtained """
https://www.google.com/search?q=den...HiqwKHTmWDgcQ9QF6BAgKEC0#imgrc=hLiGdKg5xmFtlM
Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS,
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