Quick anti-skate question

[Taketheflame]

Hey all,

So I finally got ahold of my first test record (woo!) - and I'm curious about using it to set anti-skate. Generally, I've just turned the AS dial to match the tracking force, or a bit less (per the owners manual for the tables). But I realize dials aren't always accurate, not every turntable/tonearm is the same, and some cartridges might not play by the "rules" of anti-skate, so to say. I haven't noticed any issues so far, but I figure it doesn't hurt to have a test record around and see how it compares.

My question is this - if it seems anti-skate needs adjusting (i.e - audible distortion on the test tone while using the test record), is it safe to adjust the anti-skate dial while the record is playing, or should I always lift the tonearm off the record, make an adjustment, and then resume playing the tone?

Thanks!

 

[Montycat]

That would depend on the type of anti-skate adjustment. Obviously (I hope!) you would not try to move the weight on a string on a notched rod, but round dial type should be ok.

 

[markd51]

Keep in mind, that generally, all torture test tracks that increase in modulation, or Db output, whichever you wish to call it are designed to make all cartridges mistrack at some point.

With that said, there's not to be disappointment of need of worry cause a cartridge cannot track the entire test.
I believe what is the goal is to have both tracks begin to distort at the very same time. This might be best noted and heard via headphones.

Some will say on a blank skating test track to have the arm-cartridge maintain neutrality, thus not slakting in one direction or the other.

I believe this to not be correct, but to be used as a starting point for achieving best AS. Many say it is best to err on less AS than what is thought to be needed, there is no such thing as perfect AS because such varies at different points on an LP.

I think to have the arm slowly drift towards the spindle will be closer to optimum, meaning lesser AS that thought to be prescribed via dial. Your ears will be the final criteria, and while the torture test tracks may be of help, consider that one does not listen to such as some form of enjoyment, one listens to music.

Note sonics, and also how an arm-cartridge and cantilever behaves also upon touch down into the lead in groove is also a help.

 

[bimasta]

This might be best noted and heard via headphones.

I do all adjustment thru headphones — they're more precise; immune to 'room effects'; and I can be right next to the TT, hearing the result immediately without back-and-forthing to the 'sweet spot'.

 

[Taketheflame]

Obviously (I hope!) you would not try to move the weight on a string on a notched rod, but round dial type should be ok.

LOL! Of course not (on the stringed weight type) - I did mean the dial type AS control.

Well I finally gave the test LP a try to test my setup on one table - it passed all anti-skate tests with ease, except for the torture track, where it began to distort a bit in both channels (per the instructions, it's designed to do so/most cartridges will fail it). All tracking tests passed with flying colors, including the inner groove track.

As far as I can tell, it looks like the setup was already good without using a test LP, but I guess it's always nice to have one for verification/a second opinion.

On that note, the Nagaoka MP-150 is an excellent tracker throughout the entire side of an LP!

 

[bimasta]

The test record I used most was made by CBS Labs. Probably intended for Radio stations to dial in their broadcast tables. All technical, nothing showy.

 

[Taketheflame]

The test record I used most was made by CBS Labs. Probably intended for Radio stations to dial in their broadcast tables. All technical, nothing showy.

I've read that the CBS test record is one of the better vintage test records out there. I'm using the HiFi News test LP (despite a few mixed reviews on them, mine arrived with zero QC issues).

I'd eventually like to get a second test record that has a wow & flutter track - which will mean either going vintage, or possibly trying the Ultimate Analogue Test LP.