HiFi News Test Record Azimuth

kunalraiker

What is the mirror method?

You can use the reflection of the bottom of a phono cartridge in a mirror to set azimuth, by ensuring the bottom of the cartridge is parallel to its reflection.

Some mirrored phono alignment gauges also include a point indicating proper overhang for the stylus, and a line inscribed on the mirror to aid in setting horizontal tracking angle ("zenith"). In use, the user aligns the reflection of the line so it evenly aligns with the phono cartridge cantilever.

The older Wallytractor gauges work this way. It’s more difficult to describe than it is in actual use.

The mirror method will properly orient the diamond and if the cartridge is well made the
coils also.

What is the mirror method?

If the cartridge is well made then the stylus is aligned with the cantilever is aligned with the generator is aligned with the body. Therefore we can look at the body. So what do we need a mirror for? 

Audiophiles always making things unnecessarily, illogically, complicated.

All fear aside, the wonderful thing about analog is that if it sounds good, it is good.

 I whole heartedly agree on eliminating unnecessary setup tools. A trusty metal Dennison & a few other pieces, bits and records can get me as far down the road as any system will allow. I must say though, access to a real microscope can be a big plus if things don’t come together from a way off microscopic stylus alignment.
After 200x viewing of enough cartridge styli under the big lens, I fail to see the importance of many procedures which promote intense alignment to objects that simply don’t matter.

Like driving, we must be aware of the contact patch.

A straight forward setup is the best place to begin the combing-through process. The more serious the stylus profile - the more work you’ll have to comb through.

What is a good and easy microscope that you would recommend?

The electron microscope. By far the best images are obtained with electron microscopy. What is especially lovely about this is it only works with metal. So the record is cut up, the stylus and record and everything vapor deposition coated with metal. The beauty of this is you have a super clear image that totally absolutely destroys the cartridge and record. Which is pretty much what you do when you start dissecting anything this obsessively.