The Audio-Technica LP120 turntable has gained popularity among vinyl enthusiasts for its versatile features and high-quality audio performance. One crucial aspect of turntable setup is the anti-skate setting, which plays a significant role in maintaining the proper balance between the stylus and the record’s grooves during playback. In this article, we will explore the importance of the anti-skate setting on the Audio-Technica LP120 turntable, its function, and how to correctly adjust it for optimal tracking and audio fidelity.
Understanding Anti-Skate Setting:
The anti-skate setting on a turntable is designed to counteract the natural inward force or “skating” effect experienced by the tonearm and stylus as they move towards the center of the record. This force is caused by the off-center distribution of the groove, making the stylus tend to ride too heavily on one side of the groove. Proper anti-skate adjustment ensures that the stylus tracks the groove accurately, resulting in balanced channel separation and reducing inner groove distortion.
Function of Anti-Skate on Audio-Technica LP120:
The Audio-Technica LP120 turntable is equipped with an adjustable anti-skate mechanism, allowing users to fine-tune the setting to match the tracking force applied by the tonearm and stylus. By doing so, it counteracts the skating force, keeping the stylus centered in the groove and minimizing potential tracking errors and distortion.
How to Adjust Anti-Skate on Audio-Technica LP120:
- Set Tracking Force: Before adjusting the anti-skate, ensure that the tracking force (stylus pressure on the record) is correctly set. Use the counterweight at the back of the tonearm to adjust the tracking force to the recommended value specified by the cartridge manufacturer. The LP120 usually comes with a pre-installed cartridge with a recommended tracking force range, typically between 1.5 to 2.5 grams.
- Access Anti-Skate Control: Locate the anti-skate control on the LP120 turntable. It is usually a dial or slider situated close to the tonearm base. Some models may have a numeric scale, while others have a visual marker or indicator.
- Set Anti-Skate to Equal Tracking Force: For most cartridges, including the one pre-installed on the LP120, the recommended anti-skate setting is the same as the tracking force. If your tracking force is set to 2 grams, adjust the anti-skate control to 2 as well. This ensures that the skating force is neutralized, and the stylus remains centered in the groove during playback.
- Double Check Balance: After adjusting the anti-skate, double-check the balance of the tonearm. It should float freely and be parallel to the turntable surface. Make any necessary adjustments to achieve proper balance.
- Fine-Tune as Needed: If you notice any tracking issues or channel imbalance during playback, you may need to fine-tune the anti-skate setting slightly. Make minor adjustments and test playback with different records to find the optimal setting that provides accurate tracking and balanced sound.
The anti-skate setting on the Audio-Technica LP120 turntable is a vital tool to achieve accurate tracking and balanced sound reproduction. By counteracting the skating force, the anti-skate mechanism helps the stylus stay centered in the groove, reducing distortion and inner groove tracking errors. Correctly adjusting the anti-skate setting, along with proper tracking force and tonearm balance, ensures that you can fully appreciate the audio fidelity and rich sound of your vinyl records, making your vinyl listening experience all the more enjoyable and immersive.
