Vinyl enthusiasts know that getting the perfect sound from their turntable requires attention to detail.
One of the most debated topics in the vinyl community is whether or not the tonearm should be level. While it’s a good place to start, it turns out that it’s not necessarily a requirement for optimal sound quality.
In this article, we’ll explore the importance of Vertical Tracking Alignment (VTA) and how it affects the sound of your vinyl records. We’ll also discuss the steps you can take to ensure that your tonearm is correctly balanced, so you can enjoy the best possible listening experience.
So, let’s dive in and find out if your tonearm needs to be level!
Should Tonearm Be Level
As mentioned earlier, the debate over whether or not the tonearm should be level is a common one among vinyl enthusiasts. While it’s a good starting point, it’s not necessarily a requirement for optimal sound quality.
What really matters is the Vertical Tracking Alignment (VTA) of the stylus. This refers to the angle at which the stylus sits in the groove of the record. If the angle is off, it can result in distortion and a loss of detail in the sound.
While having a level tonearm can help with achieving proper VTA, it’s not always necessary. Some turntables have adjustable tonearms that allow for adjustments to be made to achieve the correct VTA. This is typically done by adjusting the height of the tonearm.
It’s important to note that different records may require different VTA adjustments. This is because the cutting angle of LPs can vary, and adjusting the VTA can help ensure that your cartridge accurately traces the grooves of each record.
Understanding Vertical Tracking Alignment (VTA)
Vertical Tracking Alignment (VTA) is a crucial aspect of achieving optimal sound quality from your turntable. It refers to the angle at which the stylus sits in the groove of the record. If the angle is off, it can result in distortion and a loss of detail in the sound.
The VTA is determined by the angle of the tonearm when viewed from the side. Technically speaking, it is actually the angle of the cantilever vs the flat record surface. This, in turn, determines the Stylus Raking Angle (SRA), which is the angle at which the stylus is raking the record grooves at. The generally accepted theory is that the optimal SRA Angle is the angle at which the LPs are cut at, in most cases, this will be 92 degrees, but a certain amount of variability is possible.
Without a microscope or specialized equipment, it can be difficult to observe the SRA directly. An approximate starting point for adjusting VTA to achieve optimal SRA is about 15 degrees. However, visual methods provide only a good starting point. As soon as the platter starts spinning, the dragging force created by the stylus raking on the LP will produce a downward force which will cause the raking angle to change. Only an actual measurement performed while the recording is spinning will produce the most accurate results.
The ideal tool for measuring VTA is a test-disc with suitable test-signals cut at successively increasing angles of VMA; both below and above the 15-20° value. While some test LPs exist which follow this blueprint, they are very hard to find and interpreting their results may be somewhat specialized.
It’s important to note that different records may require different VTA adjustments. This is because the cutting angle of LPs can vary, and adjusting VTA can help ensure that your cartridge accurately traces the grooves of each record.
The Impact Of VTA On Sound Quality
The impact of VTA on sound quality is significant. When the VTA is too high, the sound can be hard, steely, and lacking in body. On the other hand, when the VTA is too low, the sound can be dull and lifeless, lacking in detail. This is because the VTA affects the stylus raking angle (SRA), which in turn affects the accuracy with which the stylus tracks the groove of the record.
Adjusting the VTA can make a noticeable difference in sound quality. By raising or lowering the tonearm, you can adjust the VTA to better suit the record you’re playing. This is particularly important when playing records that are thinner or thicker than average, as they may require a different VTA adjustment.
It’s worth noting that adjusting the VTA is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s important to experiment with different VTA settings to find what works best for each record. Additionally, it’s important to ensure that your tonearm and cartridge are properly aligned before making any adjustments to the VTA.
The Debate: Should Tonearm Be Level?
The debate over whether or not the tonearm should be level is a common one among vinyl enthusiasts. Some argue that a level tonearm is necessary for optimal sound quality, while others believe that the Vertical Tracking Alignment (VTA) of the stylus is what really matters.
Those in favor of a level tonearm argue that it helps achieve proper VTA, which is crucial for accurate tracking of the record groove. They believe that a level tonearm ensures that the stylus sits at the correct angle in the groove, resulting in better sound quality.
On the other hand, those who argue against a level tonearm point out that not all turntables have adjustable tonearms that can be leveled. In these cases, achieving proper VTA may require adjustments to the height of the tonearm, rather than its levelness.
Additionally, some argue that different records may require different VTA adjustments, regardless of whether or not the tonearm is level. This is because the cutting angle of LPs can vary, and adjusting the VTA can help ensure that your cartridge accurately traces the grooves of each record.
Ultimately, the debate over whether or not the tonearm should be level comes down to personal preference and the specific setup of your turntable. While a level tonearm may help achieve proper VTA in some cases, it’s not always necessary for optimal sound quality.
How To Check And Adjust Your Tonearm’s VTA
Checking and adjusting your tonearm’s VTA is a crucial step in achieving optimal sound quality from your vinyl records. Here’s how to do it:
1. Start by placing a record on your turntable and lowering the tonearm onto the record.
2. Look at the angle at which the stylus sits in the groove of the record. If it appears to be tilted forward or backward, you may need to adjust the VTA.
3. To adjust the VTA, you’ll need to loosen the arm post. This will allow you to raise or lower the back of the tonearm.
4. While making adjustments, it’s important to keep an eye on the arm post to ensure that it remains perfectly vertical. This will help maintain proper azimuth and rigidity.
5. Once you’ve made adjustments, listen carefully to the sound quality. If you notice any distortion or loss of detail, you may need to make further adjustments.
6. Keep in mind that different records may require different VTA adjustments, so it’s important to check and adjust for each record you play.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your tonearm’s VTA is properly adjusted for optimal sound quality from your vinyl records.
Other Factors That Affect Sound Quality On Your Turntable
Aside from the tonearm set-up and VTA, there are other factors that can affect the sound quality on your turntable. One of the most important factors is the stability of the turntable itself. Turntables need to be completely flat and level to ensure that the stylus tracks evenly across the grooves of the record. This can be achieved by using a torpedo level or a record weight with a built-in spirit level.
Another important factor is the isolation of the turntable. This refers to how well the turntable is isolated from external vibrations, which can cause unwanted noise and distortion in the sound. Some turntables have built-in isolation, while others require additional accessories like isolation feet or platforms.
The quality of the cartridge and stylus can also greatly affect sound quality. A high-quality cartridge and stylus will accurately track the grooves of the record and pick up more sonic details, resulting in a clearer and more detailed sound.
Finally, the quality of your speakers and amplifier can also impact the sound quality on your turntable. It’s important to choose speakers and amplifiers that are compatible with your turntable and provide high-quality sound reproduction.
Conclusion: Finding The Right Balance For Your Tonearm
Finding the right balance for your tonearm is crucial for optimal sound quality. The first step is to ensure that the counterweight is properly adjusted so that the tonearm balances horizontally. This can be done by adjusting the counterweight and turning the scale to indicate zero.
Next, it’s important to adjust the tracking force based on the cartridge in use. This can typically be found in the cartridge’s specifications and will usually be between 1 and 2 grams. Adjusting the anti-skating weight to correspond with the tracking force can help prevent tonearms from wobbling or skipping.
While having a level tonearm can help with achieving proper VTA, it’s not always necessary. Some turntables have adjustable tonearms that allow for adjustments to be made to achieve the correct VTA. It’s important to note that different records may require different VTA adjustments, so it’s a good idea to experiment with different settings to find what works best for each record.
In conclusion, finding the right balance for your tonearm is a crucial step in achieving optimal sound quality when using a turntable. By properly adjusting the counterweight, tracking force, and anti-skating weight, and experimenting with VTA adjustments, you can ensure that your cartridge accurately traces the grooves of each record and produces high-quality sound.
