High Fidelity Turntable User - To antiskate or to skate?

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To antiskate or to skate?

Printed From: Graham Slee Hifi System Components
Category: Turntable Audio
Forum Name: High Fidelity Turntable User
Forum Description: Technical Q&A, hints and tips
URL: https://www.hifisystemcomponents.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=194
Printed Date: 27 Mar 2026 at 12:44am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.01 - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: To antiskate or to skate?

Posted By: ManuelC
Subject: To antiskate or to skate?
Date Posted: 10 Jul 2008 at 11:55am

Could you let me know how you deal with the side-force thing?

I'm using the Clearaudio Unify, a 9" unipivot, and am experimenting (again) because I recently set it up, and things are still on a trial basis.

In fact, heat increase over the last couple of weeks led me to recheck all initial adjustments, due to metal expansion on detailed settings (overhang and tonearm weight position).

Some swear over no bias at all, others claim that record and stylus wear are inevitable if you ignore it. Best results I got so far are achieved with less than half the tracking force figure applied. End of side tracks are the tough area to get right.

Any ideas?

Tonearms used over the years: SME 12", SME III, Rega 3

Replies:

Posted By: Graham Slee
Date Posted: 11 Jul 2008 at 12:58am

Using the old HFS75 test record I've had for years, there are numerous tests to aid cartridge set-up. One that works well for bias/antiskate is to use the groove-less sections: there are three - outer, middle and inner portions of the record that are "mirror-smooth" finish. Most styli sit right in the middle when the bias equals the down force. Upon listening things sound right too. Hope this helps?

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That none should be able to park up and enjoy the view without a smartphone and the knowledge in how to use apps

Posted By: ManuelC
Date Posted: 11 Jul 2008 at 11:16am

Yes, thanks Graham, I guess it's trial and listening... maybe I'll go linear tracking in the future!