VTA, SRA & Azimuth: What are they & how to set them

Achieving a correct position, channel separation and tracking of our phono cartridge, hence a perfect sound, is something rather difficult to do. We must take into account the VTA (Vertical Tracking Angle), the SRA (Stylus Rake Angle) and the Azimuth of the cartridge and its stylus-cantilever. In this video we learn more on these aspects and discover a useful and cheap tool to do so!
The Azimuth/VTA Ruler:
(US): amzn.to/3dPyCQR
(UK): amzn.to/31CAKqm
(IT): amzn.to/37Ao6fo
Some people prefer using a DIGITAL MICROSCOPE to set the SRA and VTA. Here is a cheap and effective one:
JIUSION Digital Microscope:
(US): amzn.to/2OL1hYZ
(UK): amzn.to/2DnWvij
(IT): amzn.to/2OMhGN5
Attention! (A word from M. Fremer).
This ruler, the acoustical-systems ruler or the digital microscope do NOT guaranty that you’ve minimized crosstalk between the channels and maximized separation. Doing that requires electrical measurements using either a digital voltmeter, software or a digital oscilloscope. Perpendicularity though is a good place to start!
#cartridgeVTA #cartridgeazimuth #vinylcommunity

[@garymclaughlin4457]

Enjoyed your video. Just got into Hi fi and turntables a year ago and this kind of information is invaluable. Thanks from Ireland.

[@anadialog]

Thank YOU!

[@stimpy1226]

Thank you for recommending this device. I purchased one on Amazon and it was really easy to use to set the azimuth and the VTA. My Graham arm was set up pretty well but I increased the vertical tracking angle by 2.5° to 20 and my records sound even better now. More detail, better tonality and increased sound field up and width. Thanks again.

[@anadialog]

Great! Thanks for the feedback!

[@bimmer100timc]

Thanks for the informative video. This has been something I’ve tried explaining to friends and seems to be often overlooked, but can be quite important for optimal sound and minimal record wear too.

[@anadialog]

Thank YOU Tim!

[@Lasse3]

Thanks for the informative video! Funny thing, with Sumiko carts, like my Blackbird, they actually instruct you to have the tone arm tilting upwards, so that the base of the tonearm is below the headshell. Kinda like the tonearm is looking upwards, with the vantage point being the base of the tonearm. they want -2 degrees of this particular tilt. In fact, according to the Sumiko-manual a perfect horizontal tonearm is never correct. As they say, your should start with tonearm tilting up -2 degrees, and then with miniscule increments increase the height of the tonearm-base to achieve a slightly more horizontal tonearm orientation. My findings is that this is absolutely correct, for tweaking the blackbird atleast. As you move closer and closer towards horizontal tonearm orientation, the sound opens up, the sibiliance region is also increasingly pronounced. This results in a thinner - or colder sound with more emphasis on high frequency content. In contrary - a higher level of negative tilt will produce a more robust, round, warm and 'rolled off' sound. Sumiko even warns about not falling into the "hi-fi trap" while adjusting VTA / SRA - The tendency of wanting a sound with more emphasis on high frequencies - which is a common pitfall, should be avoided. Many would be surprised how the actual correct sound is much warmer and more robust - which at first will be mistaken for being a 'rolled off' or even low-fi sound too many, as they gradually tweak the VTA.

[@georgeanastasopoulos5865]

Excellent demonstration on VTA, and that elusive, esoteric SRA; more precise measurement! I have got to get new prescription for my eyeglasses, anyway.

[@gerbenkolkman]

So exactly and precisely what I was looking for! I just ordered one. Thank you so much, Guido!

[@crimsonghost6454]

Another great video! You explained this in a very easy to understand way. Thank you for the great information. I love your videos brother...

[@philipketchum1407]

Fantastic video. I’m starting my search for a vintage TT and that in itself is overwhelming. Now once I find one I can set it up. Thank you so much.

[@anadialog]

Thank you Philip!

[@paulc5358]

Another great video I don't know how I missed this one!!!

[@3dimensionsofmusic3D]

Well done and very articulate. You have a flair for instruction. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Cheers 🍻 Greg

[@OGSERB]

Excellent video. Always informative. Thank you

[@vox9841]

Thanks for this I always enjoy your videos which have great info and insight.

[@meckarmickebjornsson2567]

Din kanal är både bra och förstående 😎👍🏻👍🏻

[@fatihozturk1593]

Thanks a lot for your easy understandable English speaking.

[@anadialog]

It's my Italian background that helps!

[@hugoaguilar3155]

Thanks! I like your videos. They 're very clear.

[@johnclintonmusicandmore]

you have a lot of info I bought me one of those magnet brushes like you got for anti-static but I didn’t get the one you have it’s too expensive and it works pretty good thanks for the idea

[@arizonaguy7574]

Appreciate your valuable content and candor.

[@ceejaydeesoozaa]

nice to see you again. i have that same elvon

[@antonisxenos1053]

Great video as usual.

[@manolesecan6116]

Thank you for the great information. A great video !!!!

[@fedrichorlandineumann3062]

Bravo ,interessantissimo .... .già comprato appena finito il video!

[@bujormunteanu928]

Excellent. Keep it like this

[@Macchi202]

Grazie per i link dedicati all'Italia! L'Elvon mi serve proprio per rimettere in riga il mio Thorens TD280...

[@deleteduser3749]

Thanks G. I got it via the link.

[@calinchaud5056]

Perfect video! Thanks!!!

[@chk5306]

I really appreciate to your great presentation.

[@tg6373]

Awesome. Thank you. Bought!

[@dmnddog7417]

Hudson HiFi also has an inexpensive acrylic block measuring tool. They also have a kit that includes the acrylic block, a protractor and a digital scale for less than $35. Good stuff.

[@francismunoz8794]

Gracias,buen vídeo.

[@gbclab]

Very well done my friend!

[@anadialog]

Thanks GB!

[@shpater]

Thank you for bringing this up. I bought my tool and cartridge weight measurement tool a year ago from Ali Express. very cheep. The perfect vertical angle alignment is to get 90 degrees between needle tip and LP Surface. You can reach that adjustment relatively easy if you keep the following rules: 1) Arm angle is perfectly leveled (parallelly to record surface). 2) Verify that cartridge to head shell and head shell to arm have a perfect mechanical match 3) Cartridge weight is correctly applied (within manufacturer specifications) When all the above are meat, you can rest assure that all angles are correct. One note regarding the bubble level measurement: Great tool, but cartridge's weight calibration has to be done while the device is mounted on top of the head shell. when mechanical adjustment is done and the bubble is removed, you should readjust the cartridge weight.

[@joemartin6439]

I have a mirror protator . Does nil point so well and VTA shows up on the mirror. One can see the Asmith so ease. And stylus angle can easily see the stylus also

[@rickmilam413]

An important distinction between azimuth and VTA/SRA and azimuth is that VTA/SRA is much more of a moving target. Outside of a warped record or something like that, once azimuth is set, it's set. SRA changes with thickness of the LP. So 150g, 180g, 200g etc. will all be different because of the thickness differences in the vinyl. There's no perfect solution period, but if you're obsessive you can mark (at least on my Dynavector 507 tonearm) where the "proper" setting is for each. Or, if you're sane, find a good compromise and forget it.

[@francoisdunord7169]

Thanks for this tip 🇳🇱

[@XjunkieNL]

Hahah, yes, this is really a negative of the Technics S-arm ;) Luckily you found a solution. I ordered one! Looks handy, especially with the bubble. Thanks for the tip. Cheers. /Paul

[@markgriffiths1713]

Trying to do my cartidge alignment, but saw this on you tube .thank you so much for the simple explanation of azimuth vta sra . they are wrong you can teach an ol dog new tricks

[@anadialog]

Great!

[@dilbyjones]

THANK YOU without this stuff ! WE QUIT

[@stephencastro1437]

Got one. $3.00n on the bay! Great tool!

[@marcb8874]

ok , j'ai mis le traducteur et j'ai bien compris merci encore

[@anadialog]

Bravo!

[@jonsvideobrary]

Excellent instructive informative video explanations!! Thanks for explaining this!!!

[@ozeskiman]

That's a great explanation. I purchased the unit after seeing your video. However, one thing I didn't understand is how to use the tool to set the arm to the right height to get the correct VTA. Do you use the numbers on the vertical axis? Or do you simply adjust the height of the arm, once the stylus is resting on a record so that the arm/cartridge head are level? Does doing this automatically set the correct VTA? I'd appreciate your thoughts.

[@anadialog]

Yes, it's an approximate solution. Not 100% accurate. I use it to set the arm parallel to the platter while tracking.

[@joemartin6439]

Hi My 1229 vintage table is limited to setup precision detail . Cartridge weight , the 2 nil points over hang and getting cartridge straight . No way to get arm to move up and down. So, keeping record clear, keep stylus clean. 1229 has a fantastic gimble Barring , rigid arm, and perfect speed . Do, you hear a much better sound with your turntable

[@stephentree3466]

Surely the stylus rake angle and vta will change with different record weights?

[@leolee9092]

Interesting video. Thank you. But can you tell me if your Technic turnable allows you to set the Azimeth? If so, how? I doubt it. And, regarding the setting of the VTA, just what are those numbers on the tool for? Does the tool come with explanations?

[@robertyoung1777]

Hi Genuine Technics (Panasonic Encompass) head-shells have a tiny screw that can be loosened to adjust azimuth. I’ve never adjusted one so I can’t tell you how well it works. In the US you can buy genuine Technics head-shells from Technics by searching “Panasonic Encompass” as a repair part for about $100.

[@jro7075]

just saw this vid I have 2 turntables where the tone arm is set right my pro-ject debut 3 especially when i replaced the platter from steel to acrylic the tone arm is even with playing surface my atpl-120 is adjustable and even before i saw this vid i already had vta evrything adjusted cause they can be on this model but what if you have a dual 1237 ,or dual 1009sk or a garrard at-60,or a garrard autoslim mpk 2 or the bsr 610 these are not adjustable ,the dual turntables i have are very good but since they can be used as a stacker there is no way they can be adjusted ,the only thing i could do was for the duals i found a gauge meant for these headshell helps align the stylus 's overhang and i adjusted the alignment ,but thats all but they both sound great is there a way to adjust the tonearm alignment i do not think so JRo

[@samhalsey5051]

Very nice! Love the on air and reflection of looks great. Also we could use the itty bitty bubble level to, as you mentioned in previous video(s) to check turntable and other components, I’m sure some people even check there speakers too, right?

[@anadialog]

Indeed!

[@georgeanastasopoulos5865]

I purchased this gauge from Amazon made by Hudson Hi Fi; made in the USA.

[@Drivehead103]

Differences in how thick an album is changes the rake so I don't worry about it. Cannot tell any difference in sound going from one extreme VTA to the other on my Technics sl 1200 with ortofon 2m black cartridge.

[@Michael-tc1fq]

Hi there, thanks for the video and explanation. I have a Technics 1200 MK7 with stock Technics "S" tone arm and head-shell, using a Goldring E3 cartridge. When I use the acrylic block to check the VTA, I am getting conflicting information... when using the head-shell for alignment, it shows that I need to raise the tone arm. Conversely, when I use the tone arm for alignment it shows that I need to lower the tone arm... which should I be using for reference, head-shell or tone arm??

[@anadialog]

That doesn't seem right, something seems crooked...in any case, since the arm is a bent type, meaning that is more difficult to align I would stick to the headshell.

[@peterregorsek1504]

You didn`t mention what to do if you don`t have a headshell with azimuth adjustment and a turntable witH VTA adjustment, which the vast majority of people don`t have. I adjust azimuth with metal washers to put one between a cartridge and a headshell, on the side which is too high. And I adjust VTA with putting two mats on a turntable, or you can just buy thicker mat for smaller carts. Both solutions are not 100% perfect and maybe not appropriate for high end carts, but for an average user, it works.

[@3ccdmike]

I'm not sure but my SL-D2 arm height is not adjustable so a thin mat would make a big change. I am not looking for this kind of preciseness, just not going far from what I had. This video is great to see, it drives home point of the point (pun). Thanks.

[@anadialog]

Don't worry, a thin or normal mat won't change much.

[@3ccdmike]

@@anadialog I know the sound would be fine but all my LPs were played on this stock mat and I want to keep the same wear tracks.

[@UxaAtomica]

Hi, I'll try to buy another cartridge, a better one, it will be an Audio Technica AT33EV, but, the VTA of my turntable use a fixed tracking angle of 20°, the VTA of the cartridge is 23° ... What this mean? it is better to stay away from this cartridge? Thank you for your help

[@hugobloemers4425]

Great video about the adjustments. Now I have to be honest, I do not hear the difference when the VTA or SRA is wrong (Azimuth is a different story). Does that make me a lesser audio guy? I have no idea.

[@Drivehead103]

Same here, no difference in the sound. Technics sl 1200 MK5 with ortofon 2m black cartridge.

[@jonthurston8275]

Re. the AT Technihard headshell in the video - can you tell me, is it possible to achieve any cartridge twist (towards the spindle) when aligning with these, as you can do with headshells that have the slots? Just curious. Thanks

[@anadialog]

Excellent question. This headshell is probably one of the best I ever came across BUT you can't move the cart as you said and they all weigh a ton!

[@jonthurston8275]

@@anadialog Thank-you for clarifying...

[@alwaysexpandinghorizons6173]

Will i be able to find the 92 degrees SRA by using your recommended microscope? How does this work? M. Fremer also mentions in a video from 2019 that using the ruler for VTA is completely wrong. I'm confused...

[@anadialog]

The best way is to use software, like Dr. Feickert. That is 100% reliable. The same Michal Fremer said that a ruler is a good starting point but absolute precision is obtained only via computer software. Yes, the microscope is an excellent tool if you are using the ruler with SRA or trying to empirically measure the 92° angle.

[@QoraxAudio]

I bought the cheapest VTA/azimuth block I could find about two years ago. It was about 3 dollar on eBay (some OEM brand called BUM), so I checked it for accuracy. Used a professional set square to see if the horizontal/vertical lines where all perpendicular and parallel to the surface. I also checked the distance between the lines. Checked the bottom of the block if it's well flat by putting a bubble level on top. I was surprised that it was all okay... accuracy for only 3 bucks. Amazing.

[@QoraxAudio]

Ow, btw... I've found plenty Ortofon styli that had their stylus incorrectly mounted onto the cantilever (both nude and non-nude styli), so that cartridge parallel to the record at recommended VTF did not produce the right SRA.

[@anadialog]

Oh my! 🤯

[@shahidyt]

@@QoraxAudio so what did you do with the wonky styli? Align the cart so the cantilever was the right angle?

[@anadialog]

That's what I do...

[@QoraxAudio]

@@shahidyt Sent them back to the store for a replacement. Some salesmen go salty when you ask for a replacement and try to deny the issue. A decent USB microscope to take pictures of the issue is very useful for that.

[@mikefc55]

Shouldn’t you reset the stylus pressure after placing the level on top of the head shell ? Even if the level weighs only one gram it will change the pressure and therefore the height of the cartridge.

[@anadialog]

Yes!

[@Dutchamp]

Absolute true but alinement with the acrylic tool is better. You don't want to change the tracking force for using this bubble, if your turntable is just a hair of from level count the amount of inaquraty of the bubble on the end of the arm then your further off.

[@Welcomto5thavinue]

I have a Rega and there isn’t a way to adjust the height, should I use spacers to adjust the tone arm?

[@anadialog]

For optimal performance, yes. Also try to use different mats for different thicknesses.

[@mikelashinsky7305]

I own The Oracle Delphi Mark V {Anniversary Edition} Turntable. It's all laid out in Gold Trim , with the Black African Granite Base. & on it, I have a Graham Engineering Uni-Pivot 1.5 Tone Arm. The Cartridge is a Benz ~Micro (Glider). I've never had my table / Tone Arm & Cart Tweaked ? Not sure ? I know how to do this ? Wished someone would run a video on You Tube to show this set up done properly ? Any Tech's out there, that do House Calls ? Mike L.

[@jameshogg11]

Presumably I wouldn't need this for the Rega RB220 tonearm on my Planar 2? Because the headshell is all part of the tonearm and you can't raise or lower the arm anyway... Or would this still be useful??

[@anadialog]

Nope, you're right. With no VTA REGULATION there is no sense

[@dorelgogu8631]

Yap! Nice tool to have. I think you can go even cheaper! A friend with a laser machine, a Corel or CAD software already on the computer and you go for 5 cents! 😎 Of course, no bubbles for you 😁

[@cezarvasile1635]

👌

[@kingzozo19]

Should I put record on turntable and measure like that ? Or Is VTA measured with cartridge lowered onto mat ? I bought thicker mat so I want to check VTA.

[@anadialog]

With record!

[@arielrodriguez6980]

I have the Music Hall Ikura turntable. Do I raise and lower the arm using the counterweight to level the arm?

[@Dutchamp]

Counterweight is for setting the tracking force of the needle you need to get the correct needle data from your cardridge manufacture brand. The vta is can be adjust for alinement the cardridge.

[@anadialog]

Nope, just put the tonearm where you want it on top of the record and then lower the little lever near the base of the tonearm to start playing.

[@jimmyhatz]

Check out the Fozgometer. Used in combination with a test tone record will give you an accurate way of configuring azimuth.

[@anadialog]

I saw they made a new model. Have you tried it? The first one was not very accurate.

[@jimmyhatz]

@@anadialog I have the V1 unit. Does the job but it’s very sensitive. Will get you pretty close without relying on your eyes. Just saw the V2 online, hopefully it’s more accurate than the V1.

[@analogaudiorules1724]

You should do a video on how to electronically measure minimize cross talk with percise adjustments and use a microscope/oscilloscope and all that after using the regular acrylic tools like you say in the description, you should make a detailed video for people who want to be super anal about it to that extent but don't know how or where to start or what to look up. I'd be that kind of guy to go above and beyond if someone would go over the process step by step, being an audiophile for me is a form of ocd as well, everything has to be as physically perfect as humanly possible lmao.

[@shahidyt]

I’m a novice when it comes to turntable and stylus setup. I have checked angles and all look good and the TT is properly levelled. But I have an issue between tracks, between the end of a track and the start of another track there is an awful rake/grinding sound. I’m worried that I’m damaging my record and styli. Perhaps I should hit a forum to ask the question. In fact I’ll google it first, I can’t be the only one who has experienced this

[@anadialog]

This is very strange...I never heard about this problem. Are you sure the tracking force is right?

[@shahidyt]

@@anadialog Knowledgable friend, you was right, the tracking force was over 4 grams, over double the recommended. I’ve adjusted the weight, checked the squareness of the cartridge and that the head shell is level. The sound between tracks has gone. I had changed the valves in my phono stage from Svetlana to Millard reissue (12AX7) either the Millard burnt in or the tracking force adjustment has taken the edginess of the treble. Thank you, I’m a happy man

[@anadialog]

Great! Very Glad we solved the problem!

[@giampieroconi8450]

Bel video visto che spieghi il vta che il braccio del giradischi dev'essere perfettamente in orizzontale tra il fulcro e le testina il mio giradischi thorens td 316 non si può regolare il vta ma una pendenza verso la testina di circa mm 1, 5 può essere tollerabile o posso mettere uno spessore tra conchiglia e testina puoi dirmi come posso rimediare ti seguo sempre un saluto alla prossima

[@lloll69]

Wew your using Lyra

[@maxsavage3998]

Very few can adjust a tonearm properly and hardly anyone very high end tonearms

[@yvanvolders6420]

I don´t find the links...

[@anadialog]

In the video description! If you are using a phone, you have to click on the small pointing down arrow next to the title to see it

[@marcb8874]

merci dommage que ce n est pas en français

[@CharlesPort]

Likely to be have been mentioned elsewhere (in another comment) but "azimuth" must be set relative to the diamond shank (needle-point) - *NOT* the cartridge body. Using the "body" (as these tools do) does not guarantee any degree of accuracy, as you have no way of knowing if the manufacturer has the quality control to make the diamond shank and diamond surfaces perpendicular to the cartridge body.. Better techniques exist, such as using a test-record with a one 1Khz sine-wave cut in in one channel [left then right] with equal amplitude and then measuring the "cross-talk" bleed-through to the opposing channel (using an o'scope -- or capturing as a *.wav and using digital tools to measure). At best, what is shown here is a "guesstimate" -- just a tad better than ogling it with the naked eye.

[@anadialog]

You are correct but done by the naked eye and with budget gear this is pretty accurate. In fact for perfect azimuth setting I use this, which confirmed that the naked eye allignment was correct: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n6SYoGmuqt5_l6s&feature=share9

[@jamiestarr1022]

To me this is all very difficult to accomplish. It depends on your eyes, angle, accuracy. Very difficult to get right if you ask me.

[@anadialog]

Indeed, for perfection you need more technology.

[@utub1473]

I take no pleasure in saying this but... that tool is only effective if the cartridge is manufactured perfectly, which it isn't in many cases. The only proper way to set the stylus rake angle is to use a microscope and some kind of tracing software, where you can get to 92 degrees. It is at that point where you can make minor adjustments to see if it improves. The old "have the tonearm be level" trick isn't actually setting a proper stylus rake angle in oh too many cases.

[@anadialog]

If we are talking of a precise calibration, yes, I agree.

[@cedrickjmackniddle3861]

First

[@aldonapolitano5979]

I'm taking a break.

[@RosarioDiPeri]

Ah... you didnt show how to use it???

[@anadialog]

Did you watch all the video?

[@RosarioDiPeri]

@@anadialog Yes. I figured it out now.

[@TheReal1953]

If you really want to get this correct.....Michael Fremer has a KZbin vid on a microscope and a software program that allows you to set the SRA to the correct 92 degrees. Eyes & ears don't get it. The more expensive your MC cart, the more you need the gizmo he illustrates. Also don't assume that your diamond tip is glued exactly perpendicular to the cantilever...many are not. And so if not.....using the cart body against this line gauge you're showing will not get you there either.

[@w8sted1]

you say this and that need to be adjusted, but you don't say how actually they are adjusted...so two and a half stars...

[@anadialog]

Well, clearly by lowering and elevating the tonearm

[@jimllfaxit]

Ahh yes, the ole vta adjustment.

[@andrewfisher3613]

The audio in this video has too much sibilance.

[@anadialog]

Sorry about that!

[@mhagain]

People must completely lose their shit over records of different thickness, or warped records.

[@ryanjofre]

I thought you had like 1.5 million subs & I’d already subscribed to you like two years ago🤔 👍&sub’d. God bless and Rock on!!!🫡 P.s. I finally bought a jelco style carbon fiber head shell with azimuth adjustment. All of the tables/Tonearms I’ve wanted for years with adjustable azimuth in the arm are still out of my reach. One day I’ll have my dream table with a carbon Jelco tonearm & a plinth made of solid marble.🤣😱. P.s.s. - I’m gonna be rocking a NOS Shure M91ED with the real USA made .2x.7 nude styli. I’ve talked to vinyl gurus that said it sounds better than the mighty Jico SAS! Talk about an endorsement. I also have a Nagaoka MP-110 & I’m buying an Audio Technica cart with the microline styli.

[@anadialog]

Nice!! What can I say, I treat different stuff on my channel and many this variety in content doesn't suit everyone, but thanks for the support!