Vinyl enthusiasts know that getting the perfect sound from their turntable requires a lot of attention to detail.
One important factor in achieving optimal sound quality is properly adjusting the anti-skate feature on your turntable.
But what if you don’t have a blank record or a grooveless disc to use for this adjustment? Can you use a CD instead?
In this article, we’ll explore the possibility of using a CD for anti-skate adjustment and provide some tips for achieving the best results.
Can You Use A CD For Anti-Skate
The short answer is yes, you can use a CD for anti-skate adjustment. However, it’s important to note that using a CD may not provide the same level of accuracy as using a blank record or grooveless disc specifically designed for this purpose.
A CD has a different surface texture and weight distribution than a vinyl record, which can affect the accuracy of the anti-skate adjustment. Additionally, the grooves on a vinyl record are wider and deeper than the pits on a CD, which can make it more difficult to accurately adjust the anti-skate on a CD.
That being said, using a CD for anti-skate adjustment is better than not adjusting it at all. It can still help to minimize distortion, maintain channel balance, and reduce stylus and record wear.
Understanding Anti-Skate And Its Importance
Anti-skate is a crucial feature on turntables that helps to maintain good channel balance, minimize distortion, and reduce stylus and record wear. The anti-skate feature applies a small outward force to the tonearm, counteracting the tendency of the arm to move inward (skate) toward the center of the record as the tonearm approaches the end of the record.
It’s important to note that not all turntables have a user-adjustable anti-skate control. Some turntables may have this feature handled internally and preset at a fixed value by the manufacturer. However, if your turntable does have a user-adjustable control, it’s essential to set it correctly.
To set the anti-skate on a turntable with a user-adjustable control, begin by adjusting it to the same value as the vertical tracking force (VTF) used. This will get you in the ballpark. Listen carefully to the last few minutes of a record to determine if more or less anti-skate is needed. Listen for distortion, particularly in the form of sibilance, and determine if it appears to be louder on one channel, left or right. Adjust the anti-skate value until the distortion is minimized.
It’s also important to listen carefully at two or three different points across the record. If you used an alignment protractor to align your cartridge, listen at the alignment points. Listen for any differences in tone, dynamics, and soundstage at these points. If there are differences, some tweaking of the anti-skate adjustment may be needed.
Using A CD For Anti-Skate: Pros And Cons
Pros:
– Using a CD for anti-skate adjustment is a convenient and cost-effective solution, as most people already have CDs at home.
– It can still provide some level of anti-skate adjustment, which is better than not adjusting it at all.
– It can help to minimize distortion, maintain channel balance, and reduce stylus and record wear.
Cons:
– Using a CD may not provide the same level of accuracy as using a blank record or grooveless disc specifically designed for this purpose.
– The surface texture and weight distribution of a CD are different from those of a vinyl record, which can affect the accuracy of the anti-skate adjustment.
– The grooves on a vinyl record are wider and deeper than the pits on a CD, which can make it more difficult to accurately adjust the anti-skate on a CD.
How To Use A CD For Anti-Skate Adjustment
If you decide to use a CD for anti-skate adjustment, here’s how to do it:
1. Begin by setting the vertical tracking force (VTF) to the recommended value for your cartridge, as specified in your turntable manual.
2. Place the CD on the turntable and start playing track one.
3. Adjust the anti-skate control to match the VTF value you set in step one. This will get you in the ballpark.
4. Listen carefully to the last few minutes of the track to determine if more or less anti-skate is needed. Pay attention to distortion, especially sibilance, and determine if it appears to be louder on one channel, left or right.
5. Adjust the anti-skate value until the distortion is minimized.
6. Listen carefully at two or three different points across the CD. If you used an alignment protractor to align your cartridge, listen at the alignment points. Listen for any differences in tone, dynamics and soundstage at these points.
7. If there are differences, some tweaking of the anti-skate adjustment may be needed.
It’s important to note that adjusting anti-skate can be a tricky process, and using a CD may not provide the same level of accuracy as using a blank record or grooveless disc specifically designed for this purpose. If you’re having trouble getting it right, consider seeking advice from a professional or contacting your turntable manufacturer’s customer support team.
Tips For Achieving The Best Results With A CD
If you choose to use a CD for anti-skate adjustment, there are a few tips that can help you achieve the best results possible:
1. Use a high-quality CD: Not all CDs are created equal, and some may have imperfections or inconsistencies that can affect the accuracy of the anti-skate adjustment. Choose a high-quality CD with a clean surface and no visible scratches or blemishes.
2. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions: Different turntables and cartridges may have different anti-skate adjustment procedures, so it’s important to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Make sure you understand the procedure before attempting to adjust the anti-skate.
3. Use a digital scale: To ensure that you’re applying the correct amount of force to the stylus, use a digital scale to measure the tracking force. Do not rely on the counterbalance reading.
4. Make small adjustments: When adjusting the anti-skate, make small adjustments and test the results before making further adjustments. This will help you avoid overcompensating and potentially causing more problems.
5. Listen for channel balance: As you adjust the anti-skate, listen for any changes in channel balance. If one channel sounds louder or clearer than the other, adjust the anti-skate until both channels are balanced.
6. Consider using a blank record or grooveless disc: While a CD can be used for anti-skate adjustment, using a blank record or grooveless disc specifically designed for this purpose may provide more accurate results. If you’re serious about achieving optimal sound quality, consider investing in one of these tools.
By following these tips, you can achieve better results when using a CD for anti-skate adjustment. Remember that every turntable setup is unique, so it may take some trial and error to find the optimal settings for your system. With patience and persistence, however, you can achieve optimal sound quality and prolong the life of your records and stylus.
Other Alternatives For Anti-Skate Adjustment.
If you don’t have access to a blank record or grooveless disc for anti-skate adjustment, there are other alternatives you can try. One option is to use a laser disc, which can be found at used record stores. Laser discs are the same size as a record and can be centered on the turntable like a record.
Another alternative is to use a test record designed for anti-skate adjustment. These records typically have tracks with different levels of modulation, allowing you to adjust the anti-skate until the distortion is minimized. Some popular test records for this purpose include the Hi-Fi News Test LP and the Analogue Productions Ultimate Test LP.
Lastly, you can also adjust the anti-skate by ear. This method involves listening for distortion and sibilance in the last few minutes of a record and adjusting the anti-skate until it is minimized. While this method may not be as precise as using a dedicated tool, it can still be effective in achieving good channel balance and minimizing wear on your stylus and records.
