Vinyl records have made a comeback in recent years, and with them comes the need for turntables and their various features.
One such feature is anti-skate, which applies a small outward force to the tonearm to counteract its tendency to move inward towards the center of the record.
But what effect does anti-skate have on balance?
In this article, we’ll explore the relationship between anti-skate and channel balance, distortion, stylus and record wear, and how to properly set your anti-skate for optimal performance.
So sit back, grab your favorite vinyl, and let’s dive in!
Does Anti-Skate Affect Balance
The short answer is yes, anti-skate does affect balance.
Channel balance, or obtaining equal volume from the left and right channels, is crucial for a high-quality listening experience. Anti-skate helps maintain this balance by keeping the stylus tip centered in the record groove as the tonearm travels across the record.
Without proper anti-skate, you may notice distortion, particularly in the form of sibilance (that annoying hissing sound produced when pronouncing certain letters or combinations of letters such as “s” and “sh”), which can be louder on one channel than the other.
However, it’s important to note that the amount of anti-skate needed can vary depending on several factors, including the mass of the armwand, vertical tracking force, cartridge suspension, VTA/azimuth/alignment geometry, and even the volume of the music being played.
Some tonearm designs have inherent imbalances and may register numbers skewed towards one channel, in which case nothing can be done to correct it. Additionally, some tonearms may have too much anti-skate force even at the lowest setting, so the results are highly dependent upon equipment quality.
To properly set your anti-skate for optimal performance, begin by adjusting it to the same value as your vertical tracking force (VTF). Listen carefully to the last few minutes of a record to determine if more or less anti-skate is needed. Adjust the anti-skate value until distortion is minimized.
It’s also important to go back and forth between anti-skate and other setup parameters such as azimuth and VTF to achieve an optimal set of numbers. No setup parameter can be optimized in isolation; they all work together to create a high-quality listening experience.
What Is Anti-Skate And How Does It Work?
Anti-skate is a feature found on many turntables that 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. This force is necessary to maintain good channel balance, minimize distortion, and reduce stylus and record wear.
The natural inclination of the stylus is to be drawn towards the center spindle, putting excessive force on the inside groove wall. This is because most tonearms arc inwards across a record during play and have a slightly tilted headshell, which sets up opposing forces in relation to the arm pivot. Additionally, friction imposed on the groove can cause the stylus to leap from the groove and ‘skate’ towards the center if left unchecked.
Anti-skate control counteracts this by pulling the stylus out slightly, maintaining equal force on both the inner and outer sides of the stylus to keep it balanced within a typical groove. The amount of anti-skate needed can vary depending on several factors, including the mass of the armwand, vertical tracking force, cartridge suspension, VTA/azimuth/alignment geometry, and even the volume of music being played.
Some tonearm designs have inherent imbalances that may register numbers skewed towards one channel. In these cases, nothing can be done to correct it. Additionally, some tonearms may have too much anti-skate force even at the lowest setting, so results are highly dependent upon equipment quality.
To set anti-skate properly for optimal performance, adjust it to the same value as your vertical tracking force (VTF). Listen carefully to the last few minutes of a record to determine if more or less anti-skate is needed. Adjust the anti-skate value until distortion is minimized. It’s important to go back and forth between anti-skate and other setup parameters such as azimuth and VTF to achieve an optimal set of numbers. No setup parameter can be optimized in isolation; they all work together to create a high-quality listening experience.
The Relationship Between Anti-Skate And Channel Balance
The relationship between anti-skate and channel balance is a direct one. Anti-skate helps maintain channel balance by counteracting the tendency of the tonearm to move inward (skate) towards the center of the record as it approaches the end of the record. This small outward force applied to the tonearm helps keep the stylus tip centered in the record groove, which in turn minimizes distortion and stylus and record wear.
When the anti-skate is set correctly, you should obtain equal volume from both left and right channels, resulting in a balanced soundstage. However, it’s important to note that anti-skate alone cannot guarantee perfect channel balance. Other setup parameters such as VTF, azimuth, and alignment geometry also play a crucial role in achieving optimal channel balance.
When setting anti-skate, it’s recommended to use a test track or recording with good dynamics and voice. Begin by adjusting the anti-skate to the same value as your VTF and listen carefully to the last few minutes of a record to determine if more or less anti-skate is needed. Adjust the anti-skate value until distortion is minimized.
It’s also important to remember that different tonearm designs may require different amounts of anti-skate force depending on their mass, cartridge suspension, and other factors. Some tonearms may even have inherent imbalances that cannot be corrected with anti-skate alone. Therefore, it’s important to consider all setup parameters when trying to achieve optimal channel balance.
Anti-Skate And Distortion: What You Need To Know
Anti-skate plays a crucial role in minimizing distortion and maintaining channel balance, but it’s important to understand how it works and how it can impact your listening experience.
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. This force helps keep the stylus tip centered in the record groove, which is essential for minimizing distortion and achieving good channel balance.
However, the amount of anti-skate needed can vary depending on several factors, including the mass of the armwand, vertical tracking force, cartridge suspension, VTA/azimuth/alignment geometry, and even the volume of the music being played. It’s also important to note that some tonearm designs have inherent imbalances that cannot be corrected by adjusting anti-skate.
To properly set your anti-skate for optimal performance, begin by adjusting it to the same value as your vertical tracking force (VTF). Listen carefully to the last few minutes of a record to determine if more or less anti-skate is needed. Adjust the anti-skate value until distortion is minimized.
It’s also important to go back and forth between anti-skate and other setup parameters such as azimuth and VTF to achieve an optimal set of numbers. No setup parameter can be optimized in isolation; they all work together to create a high-quality listening experience.
How Anti-Skate Affects Stylus And Record Wear
The anti-skate feature on turntables is not only important for maintaining channel balance and minimizing distortion, but it also plays a crucial role in minimizing stylus and record wear.
As the tonearm travels across the record, the stylus tip sits in the record groove, and the friction between the stylus tip and the groove generates a sideways facing force towards the center of the record. Without proper anti-skate, this force can cause the tonearm to move inward, pushing the stylus against the inside groove of the record.
This can result in excessive wear on both the stylus and the record, leading to a shorter lifespan for both. To prevent this, an equal and opposite anti-skate force must be applied to balance out the inward force component. This will keep the stylus centered in the groove and minimize wear on both the stylus and record.
It’s important to note that excessive anti-skate can also cause wear on both stylus and record, as it can cause excessive force on one side of the groove. Therefore, it’s crucial to find the optimal anti-skate setting for your specific setup to ensure minimal wear on both your stylus and records.
Setting Your Anti-Skate For Optimal Performance: Tips And Tricks
Setting your anti-skate correctly is essential for achieving optimal performance from your turntable. Here are some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your anti-skate control:
1. Start with the manufacturer’s recommended settings: Most turntables come with a recommended anti-skate setting from the manufacturer. This is a good place to start, but keep in mind that it may need to be adjusted based on your specific setup.
2. Adjust to match your vertical tracking force: Set your anti-skate to match the same value as your vertical tracking force (VTF). This will help ensure that the stylus stays centered in the groove and minimize distortion.
3. Listen carefully for distortion: Play a record and listen carefully to the last few minutes of each side. If you hear distortion, adjust the anti-skate value up or down until it is minimized.
4. Use other setup parameters in conjunction with anti-skate: Anti-skate is just one of several setup parameters that affect the sound quality of your turntable. To achieve optimal performance, make sure to also adjust azimuth, VTF, and other settings as needed.
5. Be patient: Achieving optimal performance from your turntable takes time and patience. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different settings until you find the perfect balance for your specific setup.
By following these tips and tricks, you can ensure that your anti-skate is set correctly and achieve the best possible sound quality from your turntable.
