Page 8
Resolution, Resolution Classic or Sovereign turntables you will only need
the sliding aluminium sleeve VTA adjuster, which is clamped in place by
the single grub in the arm base. None of the large washers or the large nut,
if they have been supplied, are needed.
V T A ( V E R T I C A L T R A C K I N G
A D J U S T M E N T )
To allow the cartridge needle to track at the correct angle it is important that
the base of the arm is at the correct height in relation to the platter.
For Rega arms, the OL1 series and Silver arm
- Usually the
optimum setting is such that the TOP edge of the arm is parallel with the
surface of a FLAT record – you can use a piece of card with parallel lines
drawn on it to check this once the cartridge is fitted.
For the Encounter, Illustrious and Conqueror arms
– the centre
line of the tapered arm tube should be parallel with the surface of a FLAT
record. You can use the template supplied to help judge this.
It is always best to experiment with vta height by varying it and listening to
the results till you have found the optimum position.
Most cartridges have a height of 17mm and if this is the case, then the base
of the arm should rest approximately 31mm below the top of the platter
surface. If your cartridge height is different you can work out where the base
of the arm should be from the preceding figures.
U S I N G T H E O R I G I N L I V E V T A
S L I D I N G A D J U S T E R
Do not fit a threaded VTA adjuster (supplied with some arms – this is
a large knurled disc that can thread onto the arm base). Ensure that the
Aluminium sleeve (this
IS
the VTA sliding adjuster) is the right way
up with the recess on the top side. This ensures that the arm goes all
the way down into the sleeve. Place the arm in the aluminium sleeve
and then clamp it in position via the set screw in the side of the VTA
housing (i.e the sleeve is forced in to grip the arm’s threaded base).
You do not need the Rega nut on the base of the arm. Only tighten
the set screw sufficiently to clamp the arm firmly in position – over-
tightening can make the arm sound bright.
F I T T H E A R M C A B L E C L I P
Fasten the arm cable in position with a nut & bolt
through the best
size cable clip for your arm cable - leave a slight droop on it so that it isn’t
“tight”. The clip fastens to the underside of the plinth outer ring using the
hole near the rear foot. This again is helpful to “earth” vibration in the cable.
(Please note that the occasional rewired arm can make a slight “rustling”
noise through the speakers when it is lifted across the record. This should
not be a cause for concern as it is only caused by microphony of the internal
litz cable - under normal playing conditions this is inaudible. The earth lead
should be connected to the earth of your pre-amplifier or amplifier. This
earth lead is best separated slightly from the arm signal leads so do not wind
it around them for best performance. Avoid pulling the external wires at
the base of the Silver arms as they are not indestructible and can become
detached if excessive force is used to manipulate them.
A R M & C A R T R I D G E S E T U P
F I T T H E C A R T R I D G E ( I F N O T F I T T E D
A L R E A D Y )
Fit the cartridge to the arm using an alignment gauge and
ensure the headshell wires are bent so that they are clear of the
record surface. If you are not familiar with fitting cartridges
then please read the section “Hi-Fi Cartridges – Setting up
procedures”.
S E T T R A C K I N G F O R C E & S I D E
F O R C E B I A S
T R A C K I N G F O R C E
Set the tracking force to the manufacturer’s recommendations
using a stylus force gauge (stylus balance).
On all modified arms, Silver, Encounter Illustrious and
Conqueror set the tracking force by sliding the counterweight
along the rear stub until the required tracking force is attained,
then clamp up the grub screw in the side. When adjusting
the counterweight, set it so that the Allen bolt is at the side
of the arm (not at the top) see figure “Rear end view of
counterweight” . You will need a stylus force gauge to measure
the force underneath the cartridge tip.
HINT - In conducting this operation it helps to just lightly
“nip” the allen bolt in the side of the counterweight onto the
stub – this way the counterweight has a little friction to hold
it in position as you slide it backwards and forwards. Once
you have set the tracking force correctly you can firmly tighten
the allen bolt in the counterweight to secure it tightly to the
rear stub then check that the tracking force is still correct after
tightening.
On the OL1 tonearm which has not been modified (i.e it
has a plastic rear stub with spiral groove) – You should turn
the counterweight till the arm balances level – once this is
accomplished you can then set the tracking force by turning
the counterweight – half a turn = 1 gram.
R E A R E N D V I E W O F C O U N T E R W E I G H T
A N D A R M M O U N T I N G
GRUB SCREW POSITION
IS HORIZONTAL
PLINTH OR ARMBOARD
BALL BEARING
ALLEN GRUB SCREW
ALUMINIUM SLEEVE VTA ADJUSTER
THREADED ARM BASE
ARM MOUNTING PLATE
(ARMBOARD)
