So after reading about 1000 paragraphs on how good the Mint LP Tractor is - I purchased one and had a marathon session yesterday with my new SL-1210 M5G, AT440MLa and Zupreme headshell...
After all was said and done - the alignment itself took 90 hard minutes - I am finding the cartridge sitting about 5-7 degrees "right" of center. The actual cantilever and stylus are about as dead on as I wanna go with it for now.
Now a comment and a question....
Question: Is this non-parallel result in the headshell normal? It's making me think I may have a bent cantilever or something.
Comment: I have run 10-12 sides thru the rig so far and I must say - I have not yet heard the "revelation" that others have described when comparing their alignments to other protractors or even the white Technics alignment gauge. The rig sounds good...but...what I am missing here.
I must temper the above by saying I have changed phono stages frequently in the last month as well...I was getting nicely familiar with a Bellari VP-130 and then moved that for a Cambridge which lasted less than a week and I now have a Moon LP3 with maybe 25 hours on it...Even my AT440MLa might have 40-50 hours on it as well....
I am thinking that a whole bunch of stuff might need to "burn" in before the system starts to really reveal itself.
But I am very concerned with the stylus/cantilever on the cart...even with all the moves the Mint required...I expected the cartridge to sit straight in the headshell...perhaps expecting too much?
Raul, of course it does - but those are the IEC standard null points the arm was designed around that will result in the cartridge being square in the headshell. The whole point of the OP's question.
Dear Vinyladdict: Those null points values depend of what standards was used for the whole calculations: DIN or IEC, the null points you obtain are different in each case. Even you can choose your own " standard ".
Yip does indeed make the Technics protractors using the Stevenson alignment geometry. Stevenson null points are 60.3mm and 117.4mm whereas the Technics null points (that will result in the cartridge being close to square in the headshell) are 58.8mm and 113.5mm respectively.
yes, Lew. in single point suspension cartridge system if the record plane and tonearm and its headshell planes are level, anti skate is properly applied: the diamond tip should be in the same plane as cantilever pivot point under VTF. This plane should be perpendicular to to record plane. It all taking in account that VTF force vector is big enough to correct cantilever suspension. Twisting cartridge in headshell created different weight distribution that tonearm was originally designed for. May be cartridge weight distribution plays some factor when there is synergy or opposite of it between cartridges and tonearms.
Dear VP: We on the MM/MI long thread start/follow ( last 12 post there. ) your thread subject. Could be interesting to read about. This is one of my posts there on the subject:
Right now, I have no cartridges with "bent" cantilevers, I am happy to say, but it did occur to me that the forces that bend the cantilever in the first place (usually skating force in a pivoted tonearm) are either present or neutralized by anti-skate. If you apply sufficient anti-skate, I suppose the cantilever will move back to a neutral position during play. Sometimes I think also that if the cantilever mount has become that flexible in the lateral plane, the mount is not in good shape. Sorry, VP, this is off-topic I suppose.
Dear Lewm: +++++ " do you really think a bent cantilever straightens itself out under dynamic conditions of playing an LP? " +++++
I don't think it I already tested on three different cartridges and that's what happen. Maybe not on all cartridges with all kind of deviation. So we have to test first than make the alignment. If you have one why don't you try it and see for your self?
Dear Raul, The other reason or the main reason VP's cartridge was not aligned to his headshell was because his MintLP protractor was designed for Stevenson geometry, whereas the tonearm on his Technics tt was designed for Technics geometry. So, even if he were to use the cartridge body as his guide, his cartridge would have ended up twisted with respect to the headshell. At least this is what I understood from reading his initial posts.
I have read elsewhere, on Vinyl Engine I think, that the Technics geometry gives no null points across the surface of the LP, and most think it is therefore better to use Stevenson, the closest of the standard choices, when aligning cartridges in the tonearm on the Technics SL series tts. I guess this is why Yip chose Stevenson.
By the way, do you really think a bent cantilever straightens itself out under dynamic conditions of playing an LP? Sometimes, maybe.
Dear Vocalpoint: +++++ " I "get" the fact that using the cantilever as a guide can indeed make the cart body sit a little canted. But then I took this theory a step further and asked myself - what if the stylus tip itself is not square to the cantilever? If that's the case - then this whole exercise of microscopic lineup can be pointless. " +++++
you are right.
The rule/myth that we have to make the cartridge alignment with the cantilever not the body is only a myth because what you point out and because like I posted when the cantilever deviation is not so " wide " and when the cartridge/cantilever is in " motion/dynamic status " ( playing a recording. ) against static status when is on the protractor the cantilever in motion is " centered " to the body so makes no sense to align the cantilever in the protractor but the cartridge body because in motion the cantilever is centered to the cartridge body.
So, all the people that made the cartridge alignment through the cantilever maybe are wrong because that alignment was made it in static cantilever/cartridge status instead that in real/true cartridge/cantilever position in motion. Maybe is better to align in the " old " orthodox way: with the cartridge body instead cantilever.
In the other side that people likes the distortions that are hearing with the alignment today have does not means is right.
and don't forget that every time ( for the purist/perfeccionist that change every record side or every record track. ) you change VTA/SRA you have to re-align if you want to be where you was before the VTA/SRA change.
I think that we can but we can't be so perfeccionist on the subject ( just like with VTA/SRA ) because we need time to enjoy music, then we have to take some " average " accurate each one " roads " to make that: hear and enjoy the music, that IMHO is the main reason why we are " here "!!!!!
VP, you can find all kinds of basic information on the web about the different alignment geometries. No need to go through the math, necessarily. Just the basic overview of each would have explained why your cartridge may be twisted by aligning to a different geometry than the arm was designed for. Others tried to point this out to you.
There is no snake oil here. No exaggerations on findings, and I do know that you are not the first to report not being able to improve your cart's alignment by using the Mint. It could be that your previous alignment was good enough, it could be that there is a problem in your system with resolution. Just a suggestion. I can't really say because I've not heard your system.
I have listened to music with Raul and I know that my hearing is at least as good as his. According to Raul, for instance, I already have both hands tied behind my back because I prefer the "distortion" of "equalizer" tubes to SS. Raul does have a lot of experience and can offer much advice to those who want it.
The Mint is a very good tool that many of us would not be without because we have all found benefit in our systems by using a more precise protractor. Was it huge? No. Probably along the lines of a cable upgrade, but the reduction in error in alignment is palpable no matter what protractor one uses. The "magic" comes from more of the music getting through due to reduced tracking error.
Obviously, we are all free to setup our systems in any way we chose. But however we chose, this does not invalidate what results others may get from completely different methods.
do their own research about what I think is basic cartridge alignment before coming here with threads on how/why their cart is twisted in the headshell. If the OP had done that, we wouldn't be getting this attitude of how it must be all of us who are just bleating sheep with no ears or minds of our own.
Dan,
I came here to try and do some learning on my new protractor and it's alignment. You are making it sound like we are not allowed to post on this forum until we have done 100 hours on "community" alignments or similar.
For the record - I have been doing alignments for years - yet I am not familiar with a cartridge NOT being straight in the headshell and found this whole concept to fly in the face of thousands of bits of info I have read over the years.
As mentioned way earlier in the thread - I "get" the fact that using the cantilever as a guide can indeed make the cart body sit a little canted. But then I took this theory a step further and asked myself - what if the stylus tip itself is not square to the cantilever? If that's the case - then this whole exercise of microscopic lineup can be pointless. The Mint LP tractor can be useless...in fact all protractors can be useless.
Therefore - I can also understand the point of Rauliruegas and others who say...pick your line and if it sounds good - it sounds good.
Not sure about some folks - but I didn't get into audio to get math lessons for parabolas, arcs and null points. And as much as I have found this experience to be interesting - I have also found that it's making me seriously second guess everything after each round of adjustments - instead of just enjoying the gear and vinyl.
To wit - this week I picked up a brand new 2M Blue and because this "mint lp" ordeal left such a pain in my eye and a feeling like my trig homework wasn't done - I went old school - stuck it on the SL-1210M5G using the Technics overhang gauge. And it sounds excellent. Took two minutes to setup....
I am still testing the pair of AT440MLa...one "minted" and the other not. Details on that when I get a little more time...
Well, if people are carried away with hyperbole then that is their problem. No one that I know has ever said anything but how the Mint is simply a better tool because of the precision, not because there is some new math theory. I don't find that, but then I'm not looking for it. Absolutely, no magic. The Mint is just a simple, arc style protractor made to a more precise specification.
You love that word, distortion. Sure, hitting the absolute perfect alignment is in reality impossible. The precision of the Mint is all about minimizing distortion. So I guess if I think a minute I can find a connection between the results I, (and many, many others), get with using the Mint as simply choosing one form of distortion over another.
I was absolutely sincere when I posted that I hope people will contact you, or someone, or do their own research about what I think is basic cartridge alignment before coming here with threads on how/why their cart is twisted in the headshell. If the OP had done that, we wouldn't be getting this attitude of how it must be all of us who are just bleating sheep with no ears or minds of our own.
I'm really sorry you feel like I'm "after" you in some way. I don't follow you, or your threads, or your posts. From time to time we cross paths. If you feel like I'm after you, then perhaps it is you who needs to grow some thicker skin.
Dear Dan_end: All over the Agon forum has a lot of posts where people are talking of the MintLP " magic " ( or similar words. ) where there are only different kind of distortions, there is no magic at all.
In the other side, why are you so " delicated " on what I posted or post?, if you don't like it or agree or even if you has nothing to learn or share through then just ignore it: why affect you so much?, seems to me that you have a ressentiment against me, if you have it just grow up and make that whatever you have on your brain just: disappear in good " health " because IMHO your posts about are not helping any one, even you. ?????????!!!
Btw, thank's for the people emails and words for the request of the Barwald Calculator, always are welcome.
Please take Raul's advice if all you are going to do is come back and tell the vast majority of us we must be daft, or can't hear, or have no experience, etc, etc!
Dear friends: Now you have the Löfgren A/B and Stevenson Calculators. If any one else is interested on Baerwald please email me and I will give you.
Maybe it is time to build our own protractors and choose with " geometry " works/match our each one priorities and you don't have to pay 100.00+ for it: free stuff!
Why the MintLP seems to us better when it is not?, IMHO because when we use it what we do we do with more accuracy,
I don't think that anyone who uses a Mint LP protractor has every claimed it to do anything more than this. This is pretty much what I replied to Hesson11 back on 4/22.
Assuming a protractor is properly drawn, an arc is an arc is an arc. The Mint is simply made to more precise tolerances. That's it. Nothing more.
Can someone do just as well with any other protractor? Absolutely. Those of us who chose to use the Mint do so because it is easier to be precise, and to repeat that precision such as it is.
Dear Audioquest4life: No, the Calculators give you both null points.
Due what the geometry model ( equations ) we choose then we have to accept: lower distortions out the null points with higher distortions between null points or higher distortions out the null points and lower distortions inside the null points.
In the Enjoy the Music calculator you can see on the graphic what I'm talking about on those null points.
Now, the distortion level between those little different geometry equations are really low and maybe we can't hear it.
As I point out the accuracy of our cartridge/tonearm set up is what could makes the differences, but in this imperfect analog world that is surrounded by so many parameters/factors that could affect that set up this task is very complex: example what I posted about the set up of the cantilever in static and dynamic status, which " road " we have to take here? and with the VTA/SRA changes.
We have to be on the " middle " of the whole process because if not we can hear/enjoy music because almost anything we change we have to re-set the whole process: endless process one and again.
Each one of us have to decide with which trade offs we can live.
Are you implying that someone should select one of the alignment calculations and use a single null point to align the cartridge rather than two?
I have seen excellant results with either situation, depending on the arm and cartridge combination.
I think the bottom line here based on what you stated, is that one has to be willing to accept the inner or outer groove distortion levels based on the geometry model they select. Is that correct?
Dear friends: I would like to share my opinion on some different tonearm/cartridge geometry set up subjects.
IMHO the MintLP protractor is not magic or the perfect protractor that per se change what you was hearing through your cartridge.
It sounds different?, certainly. Because is better? certainly NOT. So what's all about?, many things like: that your non MintLP cartridge set up was wrong, that you like it more the distortions/colorations of what you heard through the MintLP, that through the MintLP set up now the cartridge has a right set up, that even that your non MintLP is right you like more the MintLP trade-offs, etc, etc.
There are almost an infinite different tonearm/cartridge geometry set up, it depends what targets we want to achieve, example: less tracking distortion/error at inner grooves, less tracking distortion/error between null points, average at both " sides ", etc, etc. We can't achieve the lesser/lower inner grooves distortion/error an at the same time the lesser/lower between null points distortion/error we always have a trade-off. Now, we can choose between Löfgren A, Löfgren B, Baerwald, Stevenson, Pisha, etc, etc. Which better?, depend what you are looking for. To make more complex what we choose and before take either equations method we can choose two different parameters necessaries on those equations to make calculations and obtain: both null points, offset angle and overhang, I'm refering to: Inner Groove Radius and Outer Groove Radius. Any change in these parameters change the final cartridge set up parameters: overhang, offset angle and null points.
To " live " what I'm telling here you can take the Calculator that Timetel linked and compare it against the Calculator that you can find in www.enjoy the music.com.
In both Calculators you can find Löfgren choice and if you made calculations taking Löfgren equations you will find different results due that both Calculators even that are for Löfgren has different Inner Groove Radius and Outer Groove Radius.
Some one posted here that with MintLP there is no inner groove distortion, well that he does not heard it not say that the inner groove distortion is there and only goes lower but against higher distortions between the null points: nothing is perfect and this is part of the trade offs I'm talking. Your choice.
My own experiences tell me that if we really take care about trying to be accurate as we can be in the cartridge set up the differences between what " geometry " we choose are really low and don't have to worry which method we have to choose. All them have trade-offs.
Why the MintLP seems to us better when it is not?, IMHO because when we use it what we do we do with more accuracy, example: several other protractors does not fit exactly with the spindle TT where the MintLP fit exactly with no " play " this means accuracy where in other protractors here exist an error tiny error but less accuracy.
The tonearm/cartridge set up is very important subject especially when our audio system has high distortions elsewhere. As lower distortions have an audio system as less capacity we have to discern between different methods on cartridge/tonearm set up geometry.
Now, I agree with the people that say that we have to take more time to enjoy music than on hardware/set up. Why I agree?, easy: every time we change VTA/SRA we have to reset all what we already do on the cartridge/tonearm set up, every time we change the VTF we have to reset, even when we change the azymuth we have to reset. So when have we time to heard our recordings?
To make it more complex: all of us think that we have to align the cartridge cantilever and not the cartridge body on the protractor and this seems " a priori " the right way to go. Dear friends please take a cartridge with a tiny ( tiny but significant enough for we can see it by eyes. ) cantilever deviation that when you put on the protractor ( static condition. ) you can see the cantilever deviation. Then run it on any recording and what you can see is that that tiny deviation disappear, that in dynamic way the cantilever maybe for the tracking forces in the recording is automatic aligned!! and what happen with our static protractor set up where we made it with that cantilever deviation but in dynamic status there is no more tiny cantilever deviation!!!??????
Not easy task what we have in this truly analog extremely imperfect world and even in this imperfection we love it!!!
Hello, VP, please don't dismiss cartridge alignment. There is a precise point where stylus and grove walls interface. This includes azimuth. Follow this link for a printed arc protractor for your choice Lofgren B, Stevenson or Baerwald (considered there as a variation of Lofgren A):
http://www.conradhoffman.com/chsw.htm
Overhang for each differs (IIRC) by about 2.5mm. Using a two point Baerwald at 15mm overhang, your cartridge may be canted several degrees outboard. The skeptic doubted Confucious's assertion that a man determined to do so could move a mountain. The philosopher replied he would begin, one pebble at a time. In audio, cartridge alignment is one of those pebbles, and cumulatively significant. If you are willing to devote the time needed to tweak cartridge alignment, you will at the least learn not to use your eyes to listen.
what is wrong with you? You are on the wrong website and Forum to talk basic common sense. Please check your common sense hat at the door, and put on you "smarter than the average bear" audio hat. Don't you yet realize that a .0005% improvement in sound is worth $5000? That's just how it is.
That said, I do like the MintLP protractors, but I have used them a bunch, and they don't take me very long to set up. I am accustomed to the process. But, as I said earlier, with my latest table and arm, it was basically dead on with the VPI jig, so.....I see your point.
I agree with you wholeheartedly regarding cables as well. Beyond a basic improment on the first level, I do not hear much difference at all as you move up the crazy priced ladder. Don't get me started on power cables, that's just snake oil in a paper cup!!
I look forward to your findings in comparing the two alignments. I haven't read of anyone ever doing this before. But I wouldn't be surprised if the differences are pretty minor.
Well - so far - I have had this alignment rolling since thr weekend...and I am still not hearing the audio nirvana that others are touting - hence - the comparison. I figured I would stay as identical as I could...only changing headshells after each side.
We old, hardbitten audio vets have a habit of hyperbole, I'm afraid. And we often make what others would consider minor changes seem like they are night-and-day. If you do hear a difference, I also wouldn't be surprised if are unable to determine whether one alignment is clearly "better" than the other. As in many comparisons, "different" doesn't always mean "better."
The hardbitten audio crowd just wants to feel important much of the time. I am just as guilty as others within certain areas of so called "expertise"...
I relate this "alignment" area with the same general skepticism that I have toward audio cables. Nary has there been a single area in the history of electronics that is filled with more snake oil, scams and skullduggery. However - if you feel that a 500 set of cables makes your music better or brings you more enjoyment - then so be it.
Very similar circumstance here. We all interpret and hear things completely different from one another. After all is said and done - the alignment that gives me what I am looking for - from my music - enjoyment wise - is the right one. And despite what some folks believe - it may end up being the white little jig. Or it may be a very expensive precision protractor.
Also of primary concern - is value vs. effort. If the mint doesn't give me an immediate and noticeable difference in "enjoyment factor"...it is not worth the C note that I paid for it when a 4 cent plastic jig gets me 90% of the way there in less than 2 minutes.
As I get older and crankier - I guess my time is worth just as much as money...and spending hours and hours messing around with this thing makes little sense if the rewards are not obvious.
Whatever happened to 1979? I buy an SL-D2 turntable at Kelly's Stereo Mart...have the guy slap in a 40 dollar Audio Technica cartridge. Plug it into my Pioneer SA-3800...whip out a Rush album and rock on?
Throughout my entire formative years - I never heard of a protractor or had an alignment gauge of any kind. Never seemed to bother me then - and given my enjoyment of music back then vs the endless "tech" tweakin' going on today...I sometimes feel like I spend way to much time dickin' around with the gear instead of just enjoying the music.
You're right, of course, Dan. I overlooked the imprecision introduced by the Technics alignment jig. I have an SL-1200, which I aligned with a protractor, and I guess I was thinking of that. In any case, it would be interesting to hear impressions of precisely set-up carts with different geometries!
...with the Mint LP, it isn't so much a question of which alignment geometry is better, Baerwald, Stevenson, Lofgren. It is the fact that the Mint facilitates a more precise cartridge alignment.
Bob, with the Mint LP, it isn't so much a question of which alignment geometry is better, Baerwald, Stevenson, Lofgren. It is the fact that the Mint facilitates a more precise cartridge alignment.
I look forward to your findings in comparing the two alignments. I haven't read of anyone ever doing this before. But I wouldn't be surprised if the differences are pretty minor. We old, hardbitten audio vets have a habit of hyperbole, I'm afraid. And we often make what others would consider minor changes seem like they are night-and-day. If you do hear a difference, I also wouldn't be surprised if are unable to determine whether one alignment is clearly "better" than the other. As in many comparisons, "different" doesn't always mean "better."
I've been watching this thread and would like to offer that I have been waiting for this moment when you might catch on that there is more to this vinyl thing than just following the crowd or picking up the latest doo-whacky. ;-) I don't mean to sound like I'm putting you down, but your first post wreaked of someone who jumped without understanding.
Not to worry! I've been there myself, which is why I can appreciate your learning experience.
I think a man has just begun learned to fish for himself.
Dear VP, I guess I did get a little exasperated. But for a while you did not seem to be reading or digesting the responses to your question, which from the get-go contained the information you needed.
I was reading and digesting everything. I did not say that I agreed with everything nor did I say that I was going to "run" with any of it.
In fact, you seemed determined to ignore the good advice you got. Anyway, there is a learning curve for all of us, and we all learn from each other and from direct experience.
Certainly wasn't ignoring any of the advice...more like collecting it and trying to understand it. Now I do.
That experience brought home to me the effect on cartridge alignment of choosing any one of the major different tonearm geometries, in a way that I had never before appreciated or even cared about.
See - this is what I just reconciled after pouring through this stuff. Until I got the Mint - I never knew a cantilever from a bar of Level soap. I always thought - with all these protractors - if your stylus tip hits the arc at all points - you are golden. Better yet - jam the cart into the Technics jig..adjust and start rockin' 2 minutes later.
I apologize for sounding cranky. Glad you are on the right track at this point.
Dear VP, I guess I did get a little exasperated. But for a while you did not seem to be reading or digesting the responses to your question, which from the get-go contained the information you needed. In fact, you seemed determined to ignore the good advice you got. Anyway, there is a learning curve for all of us, and we all learn from each other and from direct experience. In my case, I had just finished reconciling the fact that the cartridge in my Dynavector tonearm (designed for Stevenson geometry) did not sit square to the headshell after alignment with a protractor designed for Baerwald geometry (the Turntable Basics protractor). That experience brought home to me the effect on cartridge alignment of choosing any one of the major different tonearm geometries, in a way that I had never before appreciated or even cared about. Plus I had read the posts on Vinyl Asylum regarding the Technics tonearm, its shortcomings and its lack of congruence with the nearest formal geometry - Stevenson. I apologize for sounding cranky. Glad you are on the right track at this point.
in case more reassurance is needed, I am hereby agreeing with Vinyladdict, Lewm, and Dougdeacon. If all you care about is getting the cartridge square with the headshell, you could have used the plastic jig that came with the Technics and saved a lt of money. The Mintlp is not just more precise than the Technics jig. It also uses a slightly different alignment geometry, which is why the cartridge must be twisted in relation to the headshell.
Reassurance duly noted. I am officially "past" the "square to the shell" question - but I am surprised how some people have reacted - like it's a federal crime to ask a question and try to understand all the angles. Uh - still learning over here, guys - everyday...sorry to not "know it all".
Anyhoo - now that I have spent a few evenings with this layout - and I am now getting comfy with it's "sound" - it's time to start comparing this setup - cart for cart - to another AT440MLa aligned using the standard Technics gauge.
Using the same 4 or 5 albums - I will play each album with the Minted cart first followed by another run with a standard aligned cart - to find out if there are the kind of differences to the level that some folks are claiming to hear.
in case more reassurance is needed, I am hereby agreeing with Vinyladdict, Lewm, and Dougdeacon. If all you care about is getting the cartridge square with the headshell, you could have used the plastic jig that came with the Technics and saved a lt of money. The Mintlp is not just more precise than the Technics jig. It also uses a slightly different alignment geometry, which is why the cartridge must be twisted in relation to the headshell.
This is self-evident. If you use a protractor with a different alignment scheme than a tonearm was designed for, the cartridge will not end up square to the headshell. Why would anyone expect otherwise?
Try aligning a cartridge to Baerwald points on a Rega arm. Same "problem", same reason.
Only a protractor made to the same alignment scheme as the tonearm will produce a headshell-square cartridge.
For goodness sakes! What Vinyladdict wrote and what Markd51 seconded and what Dertonearm and others suggested is exactly what I wrote way back at the top. How much more reassurance do you need? The ultimate would be to get Yip to confirm that he uses Stevenson geometry when he makes a protractor for the Technics, if you do not care to believe all the other testimony.
It takes LOTS of light, good eyes, a higher loop power, and PATIENCE! 2-3 hours is not a long time your first time around to get it to the enth degree. Keep trying, and play music you are familier with, you'll get it right. Happy listening.
This is as I would expect it to be - the cartridge slightly twisted in relation to the headshell - using the Mint Protractor.
Yip makes the Technics protractors using the Stevenson alignment geometry. Stevenson null points are 60.3mm and 117.4mm whereas the Technics null points (that will result in the cartridge being close to square in the headshell) are 58.8mm and 113.5mm respectively.
It's a common misconception that both Rega and Technics use the Stevenson geometry as stock, but it's simply not the case.
Long story short - everything you're describing in regards to how the cartridge is positioned in the headshell is precisely as I would expect it to be using the tools you're using. If you were to align to something like Baerwald, I would expect the cartridge to be rotated even further with respect to the headshell.
BTW, let me know if you decide the Mint protractor isn't your cup-o-tea and I'll buy it from you. I've got a family member who would like it instead of having to borrow mine all the time!
If the cartridge is not square in the shell, or leaning to me that means that the suspension of the cartridge may be "leaning".
See that's my thing too. While I understand the possibility - whilst ever so slight - that a toe-in/toe-out may play into a setup - something still doesn't sound right...we are dealing with products here that are built to very high tolerance and precision.
After dropping x amount of dollars on headshell, cart, table, Mint etc etc...I expect - no actually - I demand perfection. If this was a 20 dollar cart in a 40 dollar turntable - I wouldn't care one way or another.
FWIW - I do not see any "leaning" - the stylus is making correct contact...but I was reading up on a few other forums that it may be a simple as the stylus assembly (the AT440MLa uses a removable model) has a bit of "play" to it and simple bit of "persuasion" in the right direction make clear it right up.
This "play" is not evident to the naked eye...but when you get down to the micron level with this Mint LP (Actually - I think Yip's real agenda here is to prop up the optics industry :)) - even the smallest bit of pressure one way or another can make a huge difference in how that cantilever lines up under 8x magnification.
I am also looking at getting a replacement stylus as well...because in all my alignment adventures - and I have had many - I have never ever had to "toe" a cart one way or the other. Could be the precision of the Mint but I still think something else is up here....
>>04-19-10: Stringreen If the cartridge is not square in the shell, or leaning to me that means that the suspension of the cartridge may be "leaning".<<
I don't know...I worry about everything. If the cartridge is not square in the shell, or leaning to me that means that the suspension of the cartridge may be "leaning". I wouldn't want my Porsche to lean in any direction at rest.. the suspension has to be perfect for me. I would send back the cartridge for inspection and repair, or get a new one.
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