Anti-Skate

After installing the Rega Bias 2 on my P2, I started getting distortion in the right channel on occasion. It turns out if the anti-skate is set around 1 or above, the right channel starts getting distorted. I get no distortion at 0. The tracking force is set around 1.8, and I've tried my best to get the alignment right on Baerwald with the cheap protractors I have, and cross-checking among a few, I think it is pretty on. (If anyone in the area wants to loan me a good protractor or alignment tool, I'd appreciate it).

As far as I can tell, there is nothing audibly wrong running the anti-skate at just slightly above 0, so problem solved? Or does this sound like a bad idea?

October 12, 2008 - 7:59pm

Jan Vigne

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Joined: Mar 18 2006 - 12:57pm

Re: Anti-Skate

Like many of the settings for a tonearm anti-skate is a dynamic function that is seldom correct at any one moment or any one point across the disc's surface. Correct anti-skating would have a different amount of correction at the beginning of a disc than at the end of a disc. Many manufacturers suggest against any anti-skating, preferring instead to increase the tracking force slightly.

While I find it unusual to have the anti-skating set so low on the Rega arm/cartridge combination, lacking a test record the best idea is to set the combination up to the best of your ability by ear.

October 12, 2008 - 8:27pm

judicata

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Joined: Jun 26 2008 - 11:55am

Re: Anti-Skate

Thanks, Jan. I find it odd as well, as I've always seen it suggested to set the anti-skate to equal the tracking force. I just re-checked the level and it looks good. Oh well.

October 14, 2008 - 7:54am

judicata

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Joined: Jun 26 2008 - 11:55am

Re: Anti-Skate

Does anyone in the NYC area have a test record I can borrow for a day or two? I'll buy you a beer?

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