Cartridge setup experts: Azimuth critique
Would you be satisfied with this? I know lighting plays a big part, but I think this is a pretty representative picture. This is a micro ridge stylus. It's pretty difficult to make fine azimuth adjustments on my arm, so I'm reluctant to mess with this, but if it's is not optimal, I will.
the stylus will wear in and correct any minor azimuth errors mechanically. actual azimuth happens in the generator between coil and magnet alignment and affects channel balance and crosstalk. we adjust azimuth to equalize electrically even if the stylus is off a little. this is why i stick with quality cartridge makes that have demonstrated good relationships between and aligned stylus and an aligned generator. |
avanti, You have stated the cogent argument for setting azimuth so the stylus profile is symmetrically sitting in the groove and ignoring electrical parameters while also choosing only well made cartridges from mainstream companies that are likely to have constructed the unseen vital parts of the cartridge correctly, or very very nearly so. I have adopted that view lately. |
100% @tablejockey Play it on a record. Do you like the sound? If so, best not to over-obsess. Trade your microscope for some nice LPs and try to stop worrying. |
