Alternative to measure weight on stylus?

by **lanny** » 20 Jan 2006 15:24

Both VTA and VTF matter.

VTA adjusts the angle of the stylus in the groove, more critical with line-contact styli than with conical or elliptical.

VTF does two things: ensures sufficient force for good tracking, and varies the physical relationship between the coils and the magnets to optimize their electrical interaction. The manufacturer's recommended range is intended to maintain this alignment in its sweet spot, but your most accurate measuring tool is your ear: listen for the best results in the time domain (e.g., least smearing of transients).

These adjustments are interactive, since changing VTF will also affect VTA by increasing or decreasing the deflection of the suspension.

by **Uncle Ants** » 20 Jan 2006 15:59

lanny wrote:Both VTA and VTF matter.

Yes, but its more a question of how much. A while back Geoff Husbands on TNT put an article together which deduced that logically VTA can't make as much difference as some members of the press, specifically Roy Gregory at HiFi Plush were claiming ... it was a well thought out article ... which generated a rather vitriolic response from Mr Gregory, legal threats even. Very funny I thought.

by **LousyTourist** » 21 Jan 2006 01:13

When I used the Shure to verify I took the mat off the deck to make it (just about) level
darn fine idea! I think I'll try that.

by **Audiophilewannabe** » 21 Jan 2006 13:50

Uncle Ants wrote:I can post some pics if you like.

Here:

With mod to scale:

Without:

These particular scales are non magnetic, so the difference is in the height above the platter that the measurement is taken (true the mod itself could flex, but measurement with a Shure scale suggests not).

Hope this helps.

That is brilliant , just made one myself , great tip , and yes i found the zero button on my scales

going to test it later !!

by **chipman** » 23 Jan 2006 07:03

One hell of a tip Uncle Ants ! I have always had doubts concerning the height difference issue that has stopped me buying a commercial jewel scale.
You have now confirmed this and proved that most of the available electronics stylus balances available are overpriced jewel scales and some don't even adress the height issue!

by **Uncle Ants** » 23 Jan 2006 17:04

chipman wrote:One hell of a tip Uncle Ants ! I have always had doubts concerning the height difference issue that has stopped me buying a commercial jewel scale.

Interesting isn't it. What's even more interesting is the different effect height has with different tonearms. I've tried it with three.

1. Roksan Nima with Ortofon Rondo Blue. Tracks at 2.3g at platter height but measures 3g at 1cm higher (ie. in a very tail down stance)

2. NAS Spacearm with Denon DL-160. Tracks at 1.6g at platter height but measures 2.8g at 1cm higher

3. OL Modded RB250 with NAS Tracer 1. Tracks at 1.5g at platter height ... and exactly the same, not a difference 1.5g again at 1cm higher.