Cartridge Setup Basics

Few things influence vinyl playback quality more than the cartridge setup. The stylus sits in microscopic contact with the record groove; even slight misalignment changes tracking angle and channel balance. Correct setup not only improves sound but extends stylus and record life dramatically.

At Groovecraft Turntable Works, every deck we service receives a precise alignment procedure suited to its tonearm geometry. Whether the tonearm is straight, S-shaped or offset, its pivot distance and effective length define a unique path across the record. Our aim is to position the stylus so that tracking error remains as small and symmetrical as possible on both sides of the record’s radius.

Step 1 – Mounting

Before adjustment begins, the cartridge must be secured flat in the headshell, screws evenly tightened but not over-torqued. Loose mounting can cause resonance or crosstalk; overtightening may deform the body. We ensure leads are clean and crimped properly to avoid oxidation at the clips.

Step 2 – Alignment

We use mirrored protractors for visual reference, checking overhang at both null points. Each design — Baerwald, Stevenson, Lofgren B — represents a trade-off between inner-groove distortion and outer-track accuracy. For most domestic players, Baerwald geometry delivers balanced performance, but we adjust according to tonearm type and customer preference. Tiny shifts, even fractions of a millimetre, can alter distortion distribution audibly.

Step 3 – Tracking Force

Tracking force ensures the stylus remains stable in the groove without excessive wear. Using a digital gauge, we begin at the manufacturer’s midpoint recommendation and refine by ear with test records. Under-tracking often leads to mistracking and damage, while over-tracking blurs dynamics. A good balance reveals clear treble and consistent bass definition.

Step 4 – Anti-Skate

Because friction pulls the tonearm inward, anti-skate counteracts that force. We calibrate it using both test tones and stylus behaviour on blank grooves. The goal is equal channel output and central image. Some arms require iterative fine-tuning, especially with elliptical or micro-line tips that contact a larger groove area.

Step 5 – Vertical Tracking Angle (VTA)

VTA adjustment affects how the stylus meets the groove wall. We start with the tonearm parallel to the record surface and fine-tune while listening to vocal sibilance and cymbal clarity. Slightly lowering the arm can soften brightness; raising it adds openness. The ideal angle depends on cartridge design and record thickness.

Proper setup transforms playback more than most upgrades. A well-aligned cartridge reveals the silent background between notes and restores the physical energy that digital files often miss. We recommend checking alignment annually or whenever a stylus is replaced, as suspension materials settle over time.

If this seems meticulous, remember that a stylus traces vibrations smaller than a grain of dust. Alignment precision is simply respect for that scale.

Groovecraft Turntable Works
18 Berry Street, Liverpool L1 4JF England
Phone: +44 151 284 9076 Email: [email protected]