The Technics 1200 turntable is an iconic piece of audio equipment that has been used by DJs and audiophiles for decades. One important feature of the Technics 1200 is its anti-skate mechanism, which helps to maintain the accuracy of the stylus tracking force and prevent distortion. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of setting the anti-skate on your Technics 1200 turntable.
Step 1: Start with the Tonearm at Zero
Before setting the anti-skate, make sure that the tonearm is at its neutral position or zero. This means that the tonearm should be completely level and not tilted towards either the left or right side of the turntable.
Step 2: Adjust the Counterweight
The counterweight is the circular knob at the end of the tonearm that is used to adjust the tracking force of the stylus. Before setting the anti-skate, make sure that the counterweight is set to the correct tracking force for your cartridge.
To adjust the counterweight, turn the circular knob until the tonearm is balanced and floats in mid-air. Then, set the tracking force by turning the knob until the desired force is achieved. The recommended tracking force for the Technics 1200 is between 1.5 and 2.0 grams.
Step 3: Set the Anti-Skate
To set the anti-skate on the Technics 1200, follow these steps:
- Locate the anti-skate control, which is a small knob located near the tonearm base.
- Turn the anti-skate knob to zero.
- Play a record and listen for distortion.
- Increase the anti-skate gradually while listening for any improvement in sound quality.
- Continue to adjust the anti-skate until the sound is clear and distortion-free.
It’s important to note that the optimal anti-skate force may vary depending on the type of cartridge and stylus being used. As a general rule, it’s best to start with a low anti-skate force and gradually increase it until you achieve the best sound quality.
Step 4: Check the Anti-Skate
After setting the anti-skate, it’s a good idea to check that it’s working correctly. One way to do this is to play a record and listen for any distortion or imbalance in the stereo image. If you notice any issues, adjust the anti-skate as needed until you achieve the desired sound quality.
In conclusion, setting the anti-skate on your Technics 1200 turntable is an important step in achieving the best sound quality and preventing distortion. By following these steps, you can ensure that your anti-skate is properly set and working correctly, and enjoy the full benefits of this iconic piece of audio equipment.
