I've noticed that on a few records, I have pretty nasty sibilance ("ssss") issues, even after using my Nagaoka Kilavolt or Bib Groov-Stat antistatic devices.

I am still rather novice when it comes to fine-tuning VTA and bias. I've noticed that the Grado's installation instructions call for 90 degrees from the record to the front face of the cartridge. Even with the pillar of my SME 3009 S2 Improved set all the way down, it still looks like the angle is less than 90. What should I do? Is there a reasonable way to adjust the angle of the cartridge in the headshell? I'm using the original SME headshell.

I have the Johnny Winter "Second Winter" album (blank side 4) to fine-tune the antiskate, or bias. I just need to get this VTA issue sorted out.

I've noticed that on a few records, I have pretty nasty sibilance ("ssss") issues, even after using my Nagaoka Kilavolt or Bib Groov-Stat antistatic devices.

I am still rather novice when it comes to fine-tuning VTA and bias. I've noticed that the Grado's installation instructions call for 90 degrees from the record to the front face of the cartridge. Even with the pillar of my SME 3009 S2 Improved set all the way down, it still looks like the angle is less than 90. What should I do? Is there a reasonable way to adjust the angle of the cartridge in the headshell? I'm using the original SME headshell.

I have the Johnny Winter "Second Winter" album (blank side 4) to fine-tune the antiskate, or bias. I just need to get this VTA issue sorted out.

From my old druggie days I'm pretty good at weight in grams by feel,that gives me the base point, sounds like you don't have enough VTF, make it a little heavier,downforce on the cart and tune by ear,I do my antiskating with a smooth sided LP as well,works perfect, these arms don't have the marks like alot of others. someone here has a protractor scale they could post for your angle issue, Good Luck nice arm with the gold.
Craig

I've noticed Grados have problems with sibilance if setup isn't perfect. You really should try raising the VTF as stuwee suggested; in my experience with a Silver and Platinum they sound better around 1.8g than 1.5g. As for the VTA, well, that can be a real pain, just keep playing with it. Remember it could also be damaged records.

Did you set it up with an alignment gauge?

Did you set it up with an alignment gauge?

I used an alignment protractor to set the overhang properly. Other than that, VTF was done using the built-in markings, anti-skate was done on blank LP sections and VTA has been by the naked eye, with a bubble level sighted up to the arm to get it close to parallel with the table.

How EXACT are the adjustment parameters for the Grado.....exactly? Are we talking fractions of a millimeter of VTA or hundredths of a gram of VTF to get it right?

Too little VTF can cause this problem with any cart. I always use the max VTF and tune by ear. My Grado gold is happiest just shy of 2 grams with VTA right at level (my Sumiko likes to be just below level), and anti-skate set at around 2 grams.
I had the problem with VTA and my Grado on my Thorens 166 as I couldn't get it low enough (I also had the dreaded Grado hum, but that's another thread). I put a 5 mil Funkfirm Achromat on the platter and it raised the record surface substantially, hence giving me much more room to play with VTA...worked like a charm.

Try a thicker mat,

James R.

I run a Grado Gold with an SME II improved removable headshell on a Thorens TD 124 and have no trouble at all. As a matter of fact it sounds great. I would just make sure you are very diligent with your set up. This arm has a lot of adjustments and you need to make sure none are out of whack.