Adjusting The VTA On The Fly

[hoodjem]

Depending on how fussy you are, you may also find that the best VTA or SRA setting varies with different LPs. And this does not necessarily correspond to different LP thicknesses. I listen for the relationship between the fundamental of the note and its harmonics. That should sound as natural as possible. It is a timing thing, not a tonal balance thing, IMO. I change VTA for each LP and I don't have VTA on the fly on my SME arm, but I do find it is worth the effort. I have made note of the best setting for about 300 of my LPs so far.

Yep.
I just adjusted the VTA on my Graham 1.5/VPI HW-19 for an old Columbia/CBS record of Brahms 3rd symphony played by the NY Philharmonic conducted by Bernstein.

The VTA had previously been set for RCA Living Stereo records, which are thicker. Before, when I played a different symphony from the same Brahms symphonies set, the sound was a bit shrill and slightly steely. But it still sounded quite good.

Now, after setting the VTA specifically for this LP, I am in the hall with the orchestra. The strings are much richer sounding, and the hall acoustic depth is extraordinary.

I think “Damn!”
Now I think I should adjust the VTA for each and every record.

 

[theophile]

I wonder if you can adjust the VTA on the mosquito when there are no flies around.