Glossary · Turntables
VTA
Vertical tracking angle — the tonearm’s height at the pivot.
Vertical tracking angle is the angle the stylus meets the groove, set by the height of the tonearm at its base. Nominally the arm should be parallel to the record; raising or lowering it shifts tonal balance subtly. Most beginners leave it level — it matters most with fine-line styli and thick pressings.
Terms on the same stage
Tracking Force (VTF)
The downward weight the stylus presses into the groove, in grams.
Anti-Skate
Force that counters the tonearm’s inward pull toward the spindle.
Azimuth
The vertical, side-to-side alignment of the stylus in the groove.
Overhang
How far the stylus sits past the spindle when swung over.
Null Point
The two radii where a pivoted arm has zero tracking error.
Belt Drive
Platter driven by a belt from an offset motor.
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