Anti-skating
For perfect balance in tonearm tracking
Anti-skating is one of the most important, yet often underestimated settings of a turntable. It ensures that the stylus is guided evenly in the groove without being pulled towards the centre of the record. If it is set incorrectly, uneven tracking, increased stylus wear and sonic distortion can result.
Small adjustment, big effect
Left and right channels are tracked evenly.
The stylus stays stable in the groove – even in loud passages.
Even loading spares the stylus and the groove walls.
A precise, centred stereo image without lopsidedness.
What is skating – and why is anti-skating needed?
During playback, a lateral force pulls the tonearm towards the centre of the record – the so-called skating force. It works against precise tracking: the stylus presses harder on the inner groove wall than on the outer one. Anti-skating applies an equal counterforce outwards and brings the system into balance. The result: clean channel balance, less distortion and a longer cartridge life.
From the friction of the stylus in the groove combined with the offset tonearm, which does not point exactly tangentially to the groove.
On tracking force, stylus profile, groove radius and modulation – loud, dynamic passages create more skating.
Only when both groove walls are loaded evenly can the cartridge show its full strengths.
Anti-skating systems compared
Depending on the tonearm, the counterforce is generated in different ways. Each method has its own characteristics – what matters is that the system suits the tonearm exactly and is set correctly:
| System | How it works | Strengths | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight & thread | A small weight pulls on the tonearm via thread and lever | Simple, transparent, very fine | The thread must run freely and must not rub |
| Spring | A spring generates the counterforce, usually adjustable via a dial | Compact, easy to adjust | Spring force can weaken over time |
| Magnet | Repelling or attracting magnets generate the force without contact | Contact-free, elegant | Force partly changes with arm position |
Setting anti-skating correctly
Many audiophile listeners set anti-skating with special test records or carefully by ear. This sequence has proven itself:
Set it precisely first with a stylus force gauge
Anti-skating as specified by the manufacturer – often matching the tracking force
Check both channels for even tracking with test tones
Listen for distortion and the centre of the stage in loud passages
Readjust in small steps and check again
A practical tip: the popular test on a grooveless surface or mirror disc is of limited value. Without a groove, the friction that causes skating during playback is missing – fine-tuning is more reliable with a test record and your ears.
How do I recognise an incorrect setting?
Incorrectly set anti-skating often makes itself felt before you know the cause. Typical signs:
- —Too little anti-skating: The stylus loads the inner groove wall more heavily. Distortion then often appears first in the right channel, for example with vocals or brass.
- —Too much anti-skating: The stylus is pushed outwards – distortion tends to appear in the left channel.
- —Lopsided stereo image: The centre of the stage wanders; voices no longer stand cleanly between the speakers.
- —One-sided wear: Unevenly worn styli and groove walls can point to a long-term misadjustment.
Tools & accessories
In our range you will find accessories and solutions for setting anti-skating on a wide variety of turntables:
With test tones and tracks for checking trackability and channel balance.
For exact tracking force – the basis of every anti-skating adjustment.
For overhang and offset, so that the tonearm geometry is right.
Anti-skating weights, threads and accessories for selected tonearms.
Your benefits at Klangheimat
We offer you accessories, advice and technology around anti-skating – for detailed, dynamic and balanced sound reproduction.
As analogue specialists, we adjust tonearms and cartridges every day.
We help you find the right accessories for your tonearm.
On request, we mount and align your cartridge – including anti-skating.
Frequently asked questions about anti-skating
What is anti-skating?
Anti-skating is a counterforce that pulls the tonearm slightly outwards. It compensates for the skating force that pulls the stylus towards the centre of the record during playback – so both groove walls are tracked evenly.
How strongly should I set anti-skating?
The starting point is the recommendation of the tonearm or turntable manufacturer; on many tonearms the value roughly corresponds to the set tracking force. Fine-tuning is done with a test record or by ear.
Do I have to set the tracking force first?
Yes. The skating force depends directly on the tracking force. So first set the tracking force exactly with a stylus force gauge and then adjust the anti-skating.
How do I recognise too little anti-skating?
Often by distortion that appears first in the right channel – for example with vocals or loud passages. A stereo image shifted to one side can also be a sign.
Is the test on a grooveless disc reliable?
Only to a limited extent. Without a groove, the friction that causes skating during playback is missing. For fine-tuning, test records with suitable test tones and your own ears are more reliable.
Do I have to reset anti-skating when changing the cartridge?
Yes, as a rule. A new cartridge often comes with a different tracking force and stylus profile – both affect skating.
Do all turntables have anti-skating?
Most turntables with a pivoted tonearm have an anti-skating mechanism. Some tonearm designs, such as tangential tonearms, do not need anti-skating by design.
Can you set the anti-skating for me?
Yes. As part of our mounting service, we mount and align your cartridge – including tracking force and anti-skating. Just get in touch.
Discover our range around anti-skating now – for detailed, dynamic and balanced sound reproduction.
Not sure which accessories suit your tonearm? Get in touch – we will gladly advise you.
