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Vertical Tracking Angle refers to the angle of the tonearm (specifically, the angle of the cantilever vs the LP) when viewed from the side. This in turn determines the Stylus Raking Angle (SRA), it is the angle in which the stylus is raking the record grooves at. An excellent place to start the VTA Angle, is to visually observe the stylus raking angle.
AnalogMagik attempts to improve on the accuracy of optimizing the VTA/SRA by performing a live
intermodulation distoriton (IMD%) analysis using a 2 tone test track our TEST LP. Intermodulation
distortion is essentially "Unwanted signals" not recorded on the LP, but are actual distortions generated by vibrations or a sub-optimal raking angle.
We believe the optimal VTA/SRA angle is one which yields a the lowest Inter-modulation Distortion.
Using the AnalogMagik Test LP and VTA test track, perform a live measurement using the VTA function on the program. The program will show you the actual Intermodulation Distortion (IMD%) being detected at a particular VTA level. Adjust the VTA and repeat the measurement again, you may be able to observe a correlation between different VTA levels and changes in IMD%.
We have incorporated special filters and algorithms into the program which are designed specifically to work with the signals on our test LP, as well as the optimal sampling rate and mathematical average which takes into account interference such as wow & flutter, warped records, as well as vibrations. The complex mathematical process will assist in yielding meaningful results.
We emphasize that meaningful results are not always possible, and this will depend several factors. Some cartridges are higher quality than others, and they will be more sensitive to VTA changes. Secondly, if the inherent vibrations of the turntable is too great, then it will mask the changes in IMD%.
Setup parameters are interdependent on each other. Changing VTF, Azimuth and Antiskating will all affect the stylus pressure on the groove walls, and will affect the IMD%. It is important to try to achieve accuracy in ALL the parameters so you may have to go back and forth between them to increase accuracy of the results.
Lastly, assuming if AnalogMagik is able to determine an optimal VTA/SRA, this VTA/SRA setting is only optimal for records of the same thickness (180 Grams), and at the corresponding turntable speed. You will find that the optimal reading for 33 1/3 rpm may be slightly different than 45 rpm because the increase in speed will increase the dragging force which will require a different VTA/SRA setting.
Operational Tips
When the stylus first land on the record surface, it will take approx. 30 seconds for the suspension to stabilize and you will see the numbers displayed on the windows to stabilize as well, so sometimes it may be necessary to ignore the first 30 seconds of readings.
A good turntable, tonearm and cartridge combination will usually exhibit an IMD% of less then 2%, and changing the VTA may result in a change of approx. 0.2% to 0.3% in the IMD% number. However, if your initial IMD% is greater than 5%, then you are unlikely to observe a meaningful correlation because the unwanted signals generated by vibrations will often be greater 0.5%
Video by Mezmer Media Inc.
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