Vinyl records have made a comeback in recent years, and with them, the need for turntables and their various features.
One of these features is anti-skate, but what exactly is it and how does it work?
In this article, we’ll dive into the world of anti-skate and explore its importance in maintaining good channel balance, minimizing distortion, and reducing stylus and record wear.
Whether you’re a seasoned audiophile or a new vinyl enthusiast, understanding anti-skate is crucial for getting the most out of your turntable and records.
So let’s get started!
How Does Anti-Skate Work
Anti-skate is a feature found on most 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.
The anti-skate control is typically located at the foot of the tonearm in the form of a small counterweight and adjustable knob. Some turntables may not have a manual adjustment, but this does not mean they don’t have the feature. It may be preset at a fixed value by the manufacturer.
The purpose of anti-skate is to maintain good channel balance, minimize distortion, and reduce stylus and record wear. These goals can be achieved if the stylus tip remains centered in the record groove as the tonearm travels across the record.
The natural inclination of the stylus is to be drawn towards the center spindle, putting excessive force on the inside groove wall. This is due to the design of most tonearms, which arc inwards across a record during play, and the fact that almost all have a slightly tilted headshell, which sets up opposing forces in relation to the arm pivot, as well as friction imposed on the groove.
If left unchecked, the stylus could leap from the groove and ‘skate’ towards the center. Anti-skate control counteracts this by pulling it out slightly.
However, if too much force is applied, it may cause balance problems that could affect stereo channel separation and distortion. On the other hand, if there is too little anti-skate, it may cause skipping or distortions during playback.
To calibrate anti-skate correctly, begin by adjusting it to the same value as the vertical tracking force (VTF) used. Listen carefully to determine if more or less anti-skate is needed. Adjust until distortion is minimized.
What Is Anti-Skate?
Anti-skate is a feature found on most 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. It is important to note that anti-skate is needed to maintain good channel balance, minimize distortion, and reduce stylus and record wear. The goal is to keep the stylus tip centered in the record groove as the tonearm travels across the record.
The natural inclination of the stylus is to be drawn towards the center spindle, putting excessive force on the inside groove wall. This is due to the design of most tonearms, which arc inwards across a record during play, and the fact that almost all have a slightly tilted headshell, which sets up opposing forces in relation to the arm pivot, as well as friction imposed on the groove.
If left unchecked, the stylus could leap from the groove and ‘skate’ towards the center. Anti-skate control counteracts this by pulling it out slightly. However, if too much force is applied, it may cause balance problems that could affect stereo channel separation and distortion. On the other hand, if there is too little anti-skate, it may cause skipping or distortions during playback.
To calibrate anti-skate correctly, begin by adjusting it to the same value as the vertical tracking force (VTF) used. Listen carefully to determine if more or less anti-skate is needed. Adjust until distortion is minimized. By correctly calibrating anti-skate, you can reduce the risk of skipping and tonearm skating across your record, ensuring dynamic sound without distortions, skips, or oddities during playback.
The Importance Of Anti-Skate
Anti-skate is an essential feature for maintaining the quality of your records and preventing damage to your stylus. By balancing the forces on both sides of the stylus, it ensures that the stylus remains centered in the groove, minimizing wear and tear on both the record and the stylus.
Without anti-skate, the stylus would be drawn towards the center of the record, causing excessive force on the inner groove wall and leading to uneven wear. This can result in distortion, reduced channel separation, and even skipping during playback.
Properly calibrated anti-skate is crucial for achieving optimal sound quality. It ensures that the tracking force applied to the record is balanced, preventing excess pressure on the grooves and maintaining good channel balance. By minimizing distortion and reducing stylus and record wear, anti-skate helps preserve your vinyl collection for years to come.
It’s important to note that anti-skate settings may vary depending on your turntable and cartridge. Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for proper calibration. With proper calibration, anti-skate can make a significant difference in the sound quality of your records and help you get the most out of your vinyl collection.
Adjusting Anti-Skate For Your Turntable
Adjusting anti-skate for your turntable is a crucial step in ensuring the best possible sound quality. To begin, make sure that your tonearm is properly balanced. Most turntables come with an adjustable weight at the end of the arm called a counterweight. Start by setting the counterweight to 0 grams and the anti-skate to 0 as well. Then, adjust the weight until the tonearm floats freely, indicating that it is balanced.
Next, adjust the tracking force by rotating the knob on your counterweight until it reaches your cartridge manufacturer’s recommended weight. This is usually around 2-3 grams, but it’s always best to check with your cartridge manufacturer to be sure.
Once your tonearm is properly balanced and the tracking force is set correctly, it’s time to adjust the anti-skate. Begin by adjusting it to the same value as the vertical tracking force used. This will get you in the ballpark, but it’s important to listen carefully to determine if more or less anti-skate is needed.
Listen for 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”), and determine if it appears to be louder on one channel, the left or the right. Adjust the anti-skate value until the 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.
Adjusting anti-skate for your turntable may require some trial and error, but taking the time to get it right will result in a better listening experience and prolong the life of your records and stylus.
Common Anti-Skate Issues And Solutions
While anti-skate is a crucial feature for maintaining optimal sound quality during playback, there are some common issues that can arise when calibrating it. Here are some of the most common issues and solutions:
1. Inconsistent channel balance: If you notice that one channel is louder than the other, it may be due to incorrect anti-skate calibration. Begin by adjusting the anti-skate to the same value as the vertical tracking force (VTF) used. 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 adjust the anti-skate value until the distortion is minimized.
2. Crosstalk readings are skewed: Crosstalk occurs when the signal from one channel bleeds into the other, causing a loss of stereo separation. Anti-skate can affect crosstalk measurements, so it’s important to calibrate it correctly. If you find that crosstalk readings are skewed, try going back and forth between anti-skate and azimuth, as well as VTF and VTA, to achieve an optimal set of numbers.
3. Tonearm imbalance: Some tonearm designs have inherent imbalances that can affect anti-skate calibration. If you find that your tonearm is registering numbers that are skewed towards one channel, there may not be much you can do to fix it. However, you can try adjusting other setup parameters like VTF, azimuth, and alignment to achieve a more balanced sound.
4. Too much or too little anti-skate: If you find that there is too much or too little anti-skate force being applied, it can cause skipping or distortion during playback. Begin by adjusting anti-skate to the same value as VTF and listen carefully for any distortions or skipping. Adjust until you find the sweet spot where distortion is minimized.
Anti-Skate And Record Care
Anti-skate is not only important for maintaining good sound quality, but also for preserving the condition of your records. When the stylus is not properly aligned, it can cause unnecessary wear and tear on both the record and the stylus. If anti-skate is not set correctly, it can cause excessive pressure on the inside of the record groove, leading to rapid deterioration of the record. This can result in scratches, scuffs, and other forms of damage that can reduce the lifespan of your records.
To avoid this, it’s important to keep your turntable and records clean and dust-free. Dust and debris can accumulate on the stylus, causing it to skip or jump across the record surface. This can cause damage to both the stylus and the record, leading to distortion and poor sound quality.
In addition to keeping your turntable clean, it’s also important to store your records properly. Avoid stacking them on top of each other or leaning them against a wall, as this can cause warping or bending of the record. Instead, store them vertically in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
By taking proper care of your turntable and records, you can ensure that they last for years to come. With anti-skate properly set and a clean record surface, you’ll be able to enjoy high-quality sound without worrying about damaging your valuable collection.
