The Audio-Technica AT95E cartridge is a popular choice among vinyl enthusiasts for its excellent sound quality and affordability. To achieve the best performance from this cartridge, proper setup and calibration are essential. One crucial aspect of turntable setup is the anti-skate setting, which helps maintain proper stylus tracking and ensures accurate playback. In this article, we will delve into the significance of the anti-skate setting for the AT95E cartridge and provide a step-by-step guide on how to adjust it to optimize your vinyl listening experience.
The Importance of Anti-Skate Setting
The anti-skate setting on a turntable is designed to counteract the inward force that pulls the tonearm towards the center of the record as it tracks the grooves. This force, known as skating force, is a result of the slight misalignment between the cartridge’s stylus and the record grooves. If not properly balanced, this skating force can lead to uneven stylus tracking and cause unnecessary wear on one side of the groove. By setting the anti-skate properly, you ensure that the stylus tracks the grooves accurately and symmetrically, maximizing both sound quality and record longevity.
Adjusting the Anti-Skate for AT95E Cartridge
- Start with the Tonearm at Rest: Make sure the turntable is powered off, and the tonearm is at rest, positioned over the platter.
- Locate the Anti-Skate Control: Find the anti-skate control on your turntable. It is usually a knob or a dial located near the tonearm base or on the tonearm itself.
- Set Anti-Skate to Zero: Set the anti-skate control to zero or its neutral position. This disengages any anti-skate force.
- Balance the Tonearm: Ensure the tonearm is balanced horizontally, so it floats parallel to the platter when properly adjusted.
- Engage the Turntable’s Stylus Pressure Gauge: Some turntables come with a built-in stylus pressure gauge. Use it to set the recommended tracking force for the AT95E cartridge, which is typically around 2 grams.
- Set Anti-Skate to Match the Tracking Force: With the tracking force properly set, adjust the anti-skate control to the same value as the tracking force. For example, if your tracking force is set to 2 grams, adjust the anti-skate control to 2.
- Fine-Tune the Anti-Skate: Play a record with good stereo imaging and evaluate the playback. If you notice any distortion or imbalance between the left and right channels, fine-tune the anti-skate setting. Slightly increase or decrease the anti-skate control until the left and right channels sound balanced.
- Recheck the Tonearm Balance: After adjusting the anti-skate, recheck the balance of the tonearm to ensure it remains parallel to the platter.
- Test Different Records: Play various records with different musical content to ensure the anti-skate setting works optimally across a range of recordings.
The anti-skate setting is a crucial parameter for achieving accurate stylus tracking and balanced playback on your turntable, especially when using the AT95E cartridge. By correctly adjusting the anti-skate setting to match the tracking force, you can ensure that the stylus maintains proper contact with the record grooves, resulting in a pristine audio experience and prolonged record life. Regularly check and fine-tune the anti-skate setting, and don’t hesitate to experiment with different settings to achieve the best sound quality and stereo imaging. If you encounter difficulty in adjusting the anti-skate or setting up your turntable, refer to your turntable’s manual or consider seeking assistance from a knowledgeable audio technician. With the anti-skate setting optimized for your AT95E cartridge, you can fully enjoy the captivating and rich sounds of your vinyl collection, elevating your vinyl experience to new heights.