[starkiller]

For anyone that has a Technics SL-1200 MK2 with a Herbie's mat, were any cartridge alignment/adjustment have to be done when the mat was installed?

[TheChairGuy]

For anyone that has a Technics SL-1200 MK2 with a Herbie's mat, were any cartridge alignment/adjustment have to be done when the mat was installed?

They make several thicknesses...or used to, so one won't have to diddle with your VTA or overhang if you choose the same thickness as the original rubber mat.

John

[Wayner]

A millimeter of mat thickness (+/-) will amount to very little on SRA.

Wayner

[lcrim]

I use the Herbies II in combination w/ the isoplatmat.  This subject has been covered here before, ad nauseum.
The isoplatmat sits on the outer raised rim of the platter of my 1200 MK II.  This means that Herbies if used on the platter w/o any isoplatmat will extend up and over the rim and will require an adjustment in VTA which is easier w/ this tonearm than any other I've seen.
The thickness of the mat is only incidental.  Its the fact that the mat overhangs the raised rim of the platter.  The diameter of the mat actually is the critical dimension.  The guy in the UK, Dave Cawley was cutting down the mats he sells, so that they wouldn't ride on the rim.  They looked suspiciously like the Herbies otherwise, at a large increase in price.

[starkiller]

So, if i use an isoplat its not a problem but if i don't then it is?

[lcrim]

define problem

[starkiller]

setting or resetting the vtf

[lcrim]

To set the tracking force, float the arm, zero the wheel and dial in the recommended down force.

But your original concern was about VTA.

[starkiller]

oops, meant vta...

[lcrim]

VTA is adjusted by the ring around the base of the tonearm.  It does need to be unlocked first.
 
star: the fact that you are not familiar with these adjustments makes ne believe that you should read the instructions that came w/ your TT.  A well set up TT and tonearm are essential to good playback and will help your records to last longer. 
When you've had an opportunity to become more familiar w/ these things, check back in here.  There are a number of folks here who can help you

[starkiller]

lcrim

the table was set up with the brand new cartridge at the dealer. this is my first foray into vinyl since 1992 when i sold my collection of 4,500 albums.  back then i had a rega planar 3 with a Grace F9E cart. the planar 3 had minimal adjustments so i never worried about it. 

my questions are not HOW to do adjustments but rather WILL I need to make adjustments based upon folks who have the same identical components. i am  not going to fiddle just for the sake of fiddling but rather because it will need to be fiddled.

i am most certainly aware of how to make records last longer and to sound their best!

[TheChairGuy]

Starkiller,

Don't sweat the VTA...vinylphools tend to overthink that one.

It's important...but on a list of 20 things to get right with a turntable...I'd have to put VTA in the latter 11-20 spots. 

Don't let it get in the way if your enjoying of vinyl again after 18 years.  If your tonearm is pretty level by eye, that's good enough for now.  You can diddle with it when you get your vinyl 'sea legs' again.

John

[starkiller]

John

thanks, just have read real nice things about the herbies mat but don't want to get caught in the vicious cycle of checking and changing stuff all the time.  Just want to enjoy the tunes like I use to

[lcrim]

Don't sweat the VTA...vinylphools tend to overthink that one.

John

priceless