Cartridge Alignment

I believe that your Grado mono cartridge will have a conical stylus. If my assumption is correct, cartridge alignment is a non-issue for you, as in it doesn't matter at all. This is because the perfectly round cross sectional profile of a cone will sit in the grove symmetrically at all points along the arc of contact between the stylus and the record. Put another way a conical stylus is always "aligned" in the record groove. Cartridge alignment becomes critical if the stylus is elliptical or a more complex shape. Alignment is only achieved at two points along the arc of contact and optimizing (or minimizing) the error at other points is what alignment is all about. The MintLP alignment gauge is superior to all others because it is the only one on the market at any price that addresses the problem of parallax. It is set up for the Stevenson algorithm, however, which may or may not be the one you want. I like it and strongly recommend the MintLP. But again, it is doubtful you will need it.

I received news that I'm getting a Statement Sonata 2 Mono as they are now making Series 2 cartridges but here are the specs for the series 1 stereo.

Grado Spec's,

Frequency Response: 10Hz - 60kHz
Principal: MI
Channel Separation at 1KHz: 40dB
Input Load: 47K
Output: 0.5mV
Recommended Tracking Force: 1.5Gms
Stylus Type: Elliptical
Inductance: 2mH
Resistance: 2Ω
Compliance CUs: 20
Stylus Replacement: Factory
Mounting: Standard
Weight: 6.5g
Warranty: 1 year

I found a Thoren's TP 16 MK 1 template online as a PDF and it is thorough, so I'll likely try it first. Here's a view;

https://audiomarkoni.files.wordpress.com/2014/03/thorens-red-protractor.pdf

09-22-15: Billstevenson
... The MintLP alignment gauge is superior to all others because it is the only one on the market at any price that addresses the problem of parallax. It is set up for the Stevenson algorithm, however, which may or may not be the one you want.

The WallyTracktor also corrects for parallax:
http://veteranhifi.se/WVC/tools/tractor.htm

He'll make them in any alignment you like!

I'm going to have to take my table to an expert as I'm getting a supreme amount of hum. I lined up the cartridge but the table needs attention. And my intuition tells me that a Jelco 750 D tonearm in place of the stock TP-16 MK 1 will resolve my current issues.
If I were to attempt doing all of this myself, then I'll need the Dr. Feickert Protractor but I would rather trust a professional.

Goofyfoot,

There are a number of members who really know vinyl, e.g., Lewm.

Lew ... haven't a number of members posted comments that Grados are susceptible to hum? If so, I am not sure that replacing the arm will solve the problem. The Grado may be picking up hum from the Thorens motor.

BIF