If you’re a vinyl enthusiast, you know that getting the perfect sound from your turntable is an art form.
One of the most important factors in achieving optimal sound quality is adjusting the Vertical Tracking Angle (VTA) of your tonearm.
But what exactly is VTA, and how do you adjust it?
In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about VTA and guide you through the process of adjusting it on your turntable.
Get ready to take your vinyl listening experience to the next level!
How To Adjust VTA On A Turntable
Adjusting the VTA on your turntable is a crucial step in achieving the best possible sound quality. Here’s how to do it:
1. Understand what VTA is: The Vertical Tracking Angle refers to the angle at which the tonearm and stylus meet the record being played. This angle is important because it affects how well the stylus can read and reproduce the sounds as they were originally cut into the vinyl.
2. Check if your turntable has VTA adjustment: Not all turntables have the capacity to adjust VTA. If your turntable does not have this capacity, you won’t be able to adjust it.
3. Find the optimal angle: The generally accepted theory is that the optimal Stylus Raking Angle (SRA) is the angle at which the LPs are cut at, which is usually around 92 degrees. However, a certain amount of variability is possible.
4. Use visual methods to start: An excellent place to start adjusting VTA is to visually observe the stylus raking angle. Without a microscope, it can be difficult to observe the SRA, so an approximate starting point will be to adjust the VTA to about 15 degrees.
5. Use tools for more accuracy: The Acoustical System SMARTstylus and Uni-Scope Magnifier are excellent tools that will allow you to visually gauge an initial SRA. The AnalogMagik software also has a VTA function which allows you to determine the actual intermodulation distortion number and fine-tune adjust the VTA angle until you reach a level which produces the lowest intermodulation distortion percentage (IMD%).
6. Consider other factors: An optimal reading is also affected by Azimuth, Anti-skating, as well as Vertical Tracking Force (VTF), so you may need to go back and forth between parameters to achieve an optimal setting across all parameters.
7. Test and adjust: Once you’ve made adjustments, test your turntable by playing a record and listening carefully for any improvements or changes in sound quality. If necessary, make further adjustments until you achieve your desired sound quality.
Understanding Vertical Tracking Angle (VTA)
Vertical Tracking Angle (VTA) is a crucial parameter in turntable setup that affects the quality of sound produced. It refers to the angle at which the tonearm and stylus meet the record being played. The optimal VTA angle is important because it affects how well the stylus can read and reproduce the sounds as they were originally cut into the vinyl.
To adjust VTA properly, you need to find the adjustment on the base (post where the arm is mounted to the turntable) of your pickup arm that allows you to raise or lower the back (the end opposite of where your cartridge is) of your tonearm. It’s important to note that not all turntables have the capacity to adjust VTA, so you need to check if your turntable has this capacity before attempting any adjustments.
The generally accepted theory is that the optimal Stylus Raking Angle (SRA) is the angle at which LPs are cut at, which is usually around 92 degrees. However, a certain amount of variability is possible. An excellent place to start adjusting VTA is to visually observe the stylus raking angle. Without a microscope, it can be difficult to observe the SRA, so an approximate starting point will be to adjust the VTA to about 15 degrees.
To get more accurate results, you can use tools such as the Acoustical System SMARTstylus and Uni-Scope Magnifier, which will allow you to visually gauge an initial SRA. The AnalogMagik software also has a VTA function which allows you to determine the actual intermodulation distortion number and fine-tune adjust the VTA angle until you reach a level which produces the lowest intermodulation distortion percentage (IMD%).
It’s important to note that other factors such as Azimuth, Anti-skating, as well as Vertical Tracking Force (VTF) also affect an optimal reading. Therefore, you may need to go back and forth between parameters to achieve an optimal setting across all parameters.
Once adjustments have been made, it’s important to test your turntable by playing a record and listening carefully for any improvements or changes in sound quality. If necessary, make further adjustments until you achieve your desired sound quality.
Why Adjusting VTA Is Important For Sound Quality
Adjusting VTA is crucial for achieving the best possible sound quality on your turntable. The Stylus Raking Angle (SRA) affects how well the stylus can read and reproduce the original sounds cut into the vinyl. If the VTA is not adjusted correctly, it can cause unnecessary wear on the stylus and result in poor sound quality.
The optimal SRA is usually around 92 degrees, but there can be some variability depending on the LPs being played. Adjusting the VTA to match this angle will result in a more accurate reproduction of the original sound. Additionally, adjusting VTA can help reduce intermodulation distortion, resulting in a cleaner and more detailed sound.
However, it’s important to note that achieving an optimal reading is not just about adjusting VTA. Other factors such as Azimuth, Anti-skating, and Vertical Tracking Force (VTF) also play a role in achieving the best sound quality. Therefore, it’s essential to consider all parameters and make adjustments accordingly.
Tools Needed For Adjusting VTA
To adjust VTA on your turntable, you will need a few tools to help you achieve the best possible sound quality:
1. Acoustical System SMARTstylus: This tool is excellent for visually gauging an initial Stylus Raking Angle. It allows you to observe the angle of the stylus and make adjustments to the VTA based on what you see.
2. Uni-Scope Magnifier: This tool magnifies the stylus 200x on your computer screen, allowing you to get a closer look at the SRA and make more accurate adjustments to the VTA.
3. AnalogMagik software: This software has a VTA function which allows you to determine the actual intermodulation distortion number and fine-tune adjust the VTA angle until you reach a level which produces the lowest intermodulation distortion percentage (IMD%).
4. Microscope: Although not necessary, having a microscope can help you observe the SRA more accurately and make more precise adjustments to the VTA.
With these tools in hand, you can adjust the VTA on your turntable with confidence, knowing that you are achieving the best possible sound quality.
How To Measure And Adjust VTA On Your Turntable
Measuring and adjusting VTA on your turntable can be done with the following steps:
1. Select an “average shape” record: Choose a record that has detailed music, preferably one that contains a good selection of highs and lows. Classical or electronic music is optimal.
2. Measure the height of the tonearm above the record at two separate points: With the record on the platter and the tonearm resting stationary on the record, use a ruler to measure the height of the tonearm above the record at two separate points. The height of the tonearm should be equal at both measured points.
3. Adjust VTA to achieve parallelism: When setting VTA, aim for the tonearm to be parallel to the record surface. If the tonearm has a downward slope, then lower it at the pivot point. Conversely, if the tonearm has an upward slope, raise it at the pivot point.
4. Lock in VTA adjustment: Generally, there will be some sort of dial or screw mechanism that allows the tonearm to be raised up or down and locked in place. Make sure to lock in the VTA adjustment before proceeding.
5. Fine-tune with your ears: The final part of VTA adjustment is done by listening to your turntable with different VTA settings. Lowering the tonearm will generally improve bass, while raising it will generally improve treble. Experiment with VTA adjustment to find out what works for you.
By following these steps, you can achieve optimal sound quality from your turntable by adjusting VTA to match the angle at which the LPs were cut. Remember to consider other factors such as Azimuth, Anti-skating, and Vertical Tracking Force (VTF) to achieve an optimal setting across all parameters.
Tips For Fine-Tuning Your VTA Settings
If you want to fine-tune your VTA settings even further, here are some tips to help you:
1. Use your ears: While visual methods can be helpful, ultimately, the best way to determine the optimal VTA is by listening to the record being played. Pay attention to the sound quality and make small adjustments until you find the sweet spot.
2. Mark your starting point: Before making any adjustments, mark the starting position of your tonearm assembly so that you can return it to its original position if necessary.
3. Make small adjustments: When making adjustments, make them in small increments, as even a slight change can have a significant impact on sound quality. Start with adjustments of 0.1mm or less and listen carefully for any changes.
4. Keep track of your settings: If your tonearm allows for it, write down the VTA setting on the record sleeve so that you can easily adjust it next time you play that record.
5. Test on different records: Remember that different records may require slightly different VTA settings, so it’s a good idea to test on a few different records to find the optimal setting for each one.
By following these tips, you can fine-tune your VTA settings and achieve the best possible sound quality from your turntable.
Common Mistakes To Avoid When Adjusting VTA
While adjusting VTA can greatly improve the sound quality of your turntable, there are some common mistakes that you should avoid:
1. Using VTA as a tone control: Adjusting the VTA to reduce upper octaves may seem like an easy fix, but it can actually affect the overall sound quality. Instead, focus on finding the optimal SRA angle and fine-tuning from there.
2. Making large adjustments: Fine-tuning VTA requires small adjustments, as even a 1mm difference can have a significant impact on sound quality. Making large adjustments can result in over-correction and ultimately harm the sound quality.
3. Not considering record thickness: The thickness of the LP being played can affect the optimal VTA angle. Be aware of this and adjust accordingly.
4. Not paying attention to other parameters: While VTA is important, it’s not the only parameter that affects sound quality. Azimuth, anti-skating, and VTF should also be considered when fine-tuning your turntable.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll be able to achieve optimal sound quality and get the most out of your turntable.
