how about a string level to balance on the arm to tell when level? I picked one up from Home Depot for aruound $2. I just put the stylus guard on and estimate the height of the cart. while playing a record and find a relative level position and then adjudst by ear. This gives you a good starting point.
Analog Set-up Tools
What kind of setup tools do you use? I have a paper protractor that came with my Origin Live arm, but I would like to buy something better. There is a simple plastic protractor (or vinyl by the looks of it in one of the catalogs) made by DB Systems for $50 that is probably similar to what I have but maybe more durable. Mobile Fidelity makes the Geo-Disk for the same price. Of interest to me is the WallyTractor which for $150 is a laser etched mirror protractor custom made for a specific table/arm combination. Also pictured in catalogs are alignment gauges from Clearaudio and Pro-Ject which look very different and I'm not sure how they work, which I'd be willing to pay for ($100 to $179) if they can give more accurate results.
Finally of interest to me is the Wally VTA gauge. Again I'm not clear on how it works but the description says it mounts on the headshell and shims are used to simulate your cartridge's height. VTA is adjusted until "it's parallel to the record" and I assume the "it's" referred to is the mounted gauge.
Has anyone used any of these or other set-up tools I'm not aware of? Are they worth the extra cost by providing more accurate or easier set-up?
Finally of interest to me is the Wally VTA gauge. Again I'm not clear on how it works but the description says it mounts on the headshell and shims are used to simulate your cartridge's height. VTA is adjusted until "it's parallel to the record" and I assume the "it's" referred to is the mounted gauge.
Has anyone used any of these or other set-up tools I'm not aware of? Are they worth the extra cost by providing more accurate or easier set-up?
- ...
- 9 posts total
- 9 posts total