VTA for JVC 4MD-20X

[63909]

Hi All,
I currently have this cartridge on a SME3009, what I'd like to know is, whats the best VTA for this? Would it be arm parallel to the record or the base of the stylus housing? Many thanks.
Joe

 

[LuvMyQuad]

Hi All,
I currently have this cartridge on a SME3009, what I'd like to know is, whats the best VTA for this? Would it be arm parallel to the record or the base of the stylus housing? Many thanks.
Joe

The cartridge base looks flat and square. Wouldant both VTAs be the same?

 

[63909]

Thanks for your reply,
It could be my eyes but mine doesn’t look parallel?
I’ve got the original blurb that came with the cartridge but it doesn’t specify. I’ve set it up for the headshell to be parallel for the moment.

 

[par4ken]

The cartridge was intended to mount flat to the headshell. The headshell would normally be parallel to the record. From the picture it looks as if the stylus base is parallel as well. The tracking angle will change slightly depending on the thickness of the record. Optimum angle varies from one LP to another. Personally I don't think that it is all that critical but it might be for CD-4.

 

[63909]

Many thanks, I’ll go with it how it is then. I know from reading here and the paperwork that came with the cartridge it needs low capacitance leads do they’re next on my list. Thankfully this turntable has an SME3009 so easy to swap leads as opposed to tonearms with ‘fixed’ leads.
Thanks again
Joe

 

[Doug G.]

In the picture, it looks like the top of the headshell is not level/parallel to the record surface. Is the picture correct or is it just an artifact OF the picture?

Doug

 

[par4ken]

The tonearm looks like it needs to be lowered to make the headshell level. I don't know about the SME but the Decca London International Tonearm had a bubble level on top, to aid adjustment.

 

[63909]

Hi All,
apologies for the late reply - yes that's 'cueing lever up' on the photo so I could get a better shot of the mounting.
I've just ordered a headshell level to check the attitude of the headshell when in play - I've been prompted to check the weight of this and re-balance the tone arm before checking, so that the cantilever isn't depressed by the extra weight. Also - I'll be checking the level on the platter too, as if it isn't level - or at least in the same inclination as the headshell - it won't be a valid adjustment and may make things worse. Hopefully I'll get on to this sometime over the Festive season.
Best to you all
Joe