Are you struggling to set the anti-skating feature on your turntable?
Do you have a MMC 20EN T cartridge and are unsure of where to set the counter weight?
Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many turntable owners face this issue and it can be frustrating trying to figure out the best way to adjust the anti-skate to prevent stylus and record wear.
In this article, we’ll delve into what anti-skate is, why it’s important, and how to set it on your MMC 20EN T cartridge.
So sit back, relax, and let’s get started!
How Do I Set Anti-Skating On The MMC 20EN T
Firstly, it’s important to understand what anti-skate is and why it’s necessary. 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 helps to maintain good channel balance, minimize distortion, and reduce stylus and record wear.
If you have a MMC 20EN T cartridge, you may be wondering where to set the counter weight. It’s important to note that with this cartridge, you cannot simply follow the instructions in the manual for the factory cart/needle. Instead, you’ll need to adjust the counter weight based on the specifications of your cartridge.
To begin, you’ll need to zero the counter weight. Ignore the numbers on the weight and twist it until the tonearm floats, then set the number dial, just the dial not the weight, to 0. Then grasp the weight and turn it until the dial reads 1.5. This is where you should start with your anti-skate adjustment.
Next, 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 sibilance (that annoying hissing sound produced when pronouncing certain letters or combinations of letters such as “s” and “sh”), and determine if it appears to be louder on one channel, either left or right. Adjust the anti-skate value until distortion is minimized.
Finally, 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.
If adjusting the anti-skate does not clear up a particular problem, there may be another reason for it. In this case, it’s best to seek advice from an audio solutions department.
What Is Anti-Skate And Why Is It Important?
Anti-skate is a feature found on 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 feature is necessary to maintain good channel balance, minimize distortion, and reduce stylus and record wear.
When a turntable’s stylus travels across a record, it needs to remain centered in the record groove. If it moves too far inward or outward, it can cause distortion and uneven volume in the left and right channels. Anti-skate helps to counteract these tendencies by applying a small outward force to the tonearm.
It’s important to note that not all turntables have an adjustable anti-skate control. Some turntables may have this feature preset at a fixed value by the manufacturer. However, if your turntable does have an adjustable anti-skate control, it’s crucial to set it properly to achieve optimal sound quality.
Setting the anti-skate correctly involves adjusting it to the same value as the vertical tracking force (VTF) used. This will get you in the ballpark, but it’s important to listen carefully to the last few minutes of a record to determine if more or less anti-skate is needed. Inner groove distortion can be quite noticeable, so it’s important to listen for distortion, particularly in sibilance, and adjust the anti-skate value until distortion is minimized.
Understanding The MMC 20EN T Cartridge
The B&O MMC 20EN T cartridge is a high-end phono cartridge that features a nude elliptical diamond stylus mounted on a thin-wall, tapered cantilever. It is part of the B&O MMC 20 series, which is highly rated by both B&O and vinyl enthusiasts for its excellent performance. The cartridge is designed to produce the finest groove separation and accurate reproduction of music.
The MMC 20EN T cartridge is a moving-iron cartridge that is based on B&O’s patented moving-micro cross design principle. This design integrates all of the cartridge components – coils, magnet, cantilever, and stylus – to produce superior sound quality. The availability of B&O MMC cartridges is limited to stock on hand, as the MMC 20 series and B&O MMC series cartridges have been discontinued and are no longer available.
For those who own a B&O turntable with an MMC 20EN T cartridge, it’s important to understand how to set anti-skate properly. Anti-skate 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 helps to maintain good channel balance, minimize distortion, and reduce stylus and record wear.
When setting anti-skate on an MMC 20EN T cartridge, it’s important to adjust the counter weight based on the specifications of your cartridge. You cannot simply follow the instructions in the manual for the factory cart/needle. Start by zeroing the counter weight and then setting the number dial to 0. Then adjust the weight until the dial reads 1.5, which is where you should start with your anti-skate adjustment.
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 sibilance, and determine if it appears to be louder on one channel. Adjust the anti-skate value until distortion is minimized.
Finally, listen carefully at two or three different points across the record. If there are differences in tone, dynamics and soundstage at these points, some tweaking of the anti-skate adjustment may be needed. If adjusting the anti-skate does not clear up a particular problem, seek advice from an audio solutions department. Overall, understanding how to set anti-skate properly on an MMC 20EN T cartridge can greatly improve your listening experience and preserve your records for years to come.
Steps To Setting Anti-Skate On The MMC 20EN T Cartridge
Here are the steps to setting anti-skate on the MMC 20EN T cartridge:
1. Zero the counter weight: Twist the counter weight until the tonearm floats, then set the number dial to 0.
2. Set the counter weight to 1.5: Grasp the weight and turn it until the dial reads 1.5.
3. Listen for distortion: 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 sibilance, and determine if it appears to be louder on one channel, either left or right.
4. Adjust the anti-skate value: Adjust the anti-skate value until distortion is minimized.
5. Listen at different points across the record: Listen carefully at two or three different points across the record. If there are differences in tone, dynamics and soundstage at these points, some tweaking of the anti-skate adjustment may be needed.
Remember, if adjusting the anti-skate does not clear up a particular problem, there may be another reason for it. In this case, it’s best to seek advice from an audio solutions department.
Final Thoughts And Recommendations
Overall, setting the anti-skate on your MMC 20EN T cartridge is an important step towards achieving optimal and balanced vinyl playback. It’s important to take your time and follow the steps carefully, as small adjustments can make a big difference in the final sound quality. Additionally, if you purchase a new headshell or cartridge, you will need to readjust everything to ensure the best possible sound.
It’s also worth noting that investing in a stylus tracking force scale can be helpful in verifying that the stylus tracking pressure has been accurately set. These scales can be purchased inexpensively and can reveal any imperfections in your setup.
In conclusion, taking the time to properly set your anti-skate will help to maintain good channel balance, minimize distortion, and reduce stylus and record wear. By following the steps outlined above and listening carefully to the sound quality, you can achieve optimal vinyl playback with your MMC 20EN T cartridge.
