If the Moderators would be so kind, I would like adding my $.02. I just got around to using my Mintlp Protractor on my VPI HW-19 Table, with AQ PT-9 Arm, and spent about 1-1/2 hours with this Alignment process.
Hopefully, I can add what hasn't been covered by others, and will be helpful as a reference for the Mintlp.
Firstly, I'll state, comfort is paramount, know that you will be in front of the Table for a length of time, and w4ill be an impossibility standing over any Table in a Rack, and trying to perform this procedure. I know that lifting my Table, which must weigh near 60lbs as it is right now, out of Rack to place on the Kitchen Table is no fun!
Yes, my alignment, which was proviously done as meticulously as I could with a Turntable Basics Mirror Protractor was off.
When Aligning Stylus to the outside of the Mintlp Arc, and then swinging to the inside of Arc, I estimate I was off by a full 1.00mm, maybe even a tad more which probably equates to an error of +-.5mm. Checking the Carrtridge-Cantilever Zenith at the two Null Points was slightly off as well.
Conclusion is, that the Mintlp has much greater resolution for one, and the other is mis-interpretation error of trying to perfectly align a Sight-Line Type Protractor.
Since I did provide Yip with my Spindle Dia, of .282", I did find Yip made it a perfect, snug fit, and I felt there was no need to tape Spindle to Platter, that it stayed put as long as you don't bump it. I found that by leaving the Tractor in this state, it was easier to very carefull "nudge" the Tractor for the Alignment process. I'd like to comment that the surface of the Mintlp is not quite so "sticky", as others have claimed, that if one excersizes care, and doesn't have "the shakes", one can ever so carefully nudge the Tractor, or nudge the Tonearm, without too much worry of having your Stylus pop off the Cantilever, or yanking Cantilever from Cartridge Body.
Yip ingeniously left the area where the two Null Points are a clear Vinyl, thus enabling one to much easier see the Null Lines, thier reflections in the Mirror, and the ever so tiny reference "Tics".
Although "easy" is a relative term. With my ZYX Airy 3X, trust me when I say it is NOT easy seeing such a tiny little Stylus!
This is exasperated by the fact that Yip's reference lines-grid, and reference Tics are almost miscroscopic in nature.
I will comment that just the lighted Magnifier that Yip includes with his Protractor will not be enough to let you properly accomplish the task of alignment. All this Magnifier will help you through, is perhaps setting overhang. It is I feel not sufficient for doing the Zenith Alignment, or checking exact placement of Stylus on the reference Null Point Tics.
With that being said, one should have the "10X Lupe" which it is called, that Yip sells extra, and I found I pulled out every Magnifier, and Loupe I have in my possession, which were two lighted Magnifiers, and three Loupes, Yip's, a 10X B+L, I have, and also a 30X fold away Loupe which I bought a couple of months ago at a gun show for $8.
The Loupes are a definitely needed item, but they too can be a PITA, due to the limited, short Depth of Field.
I also complimented my efforts with my Littlite, with 18" Gooseneck, and this was a handy item, letting me position the light in any way I wished, trying light at different angles to gain every advantage I could. Nice thing about the Littlite, it stays were you put it.
Looking at the Null Grid from a position at the front of the Cartridge, is exactly Akin to looking down a little Two Lane Road, with Centerline, and the Parallax feature incorporated into this Protractor is really pretty cool! It appears Yip has done his homework very well.
Here at the front of Cartridge, and also at the very farthest outside origin of the Arc though, are about the only two places where you may get close enough to actually implement the higher power magnification of the Loupe. Due to lack of depth of field, it is a very testy process trying to get close enough to focus the Stylus into view with Loupe. (perhaps you guys with the nudies, like the Benz Gliders will have an easier time with this)
I cannot stress enough, to make sure you use every little process-Loupe-Magnifier-Lighting-Comfort-Aid to your advantage. It will be these things that will enhance the use of this Protractor, and lessen the chance of any fubars, or grey hairs. The ultimate goal is of course, getting your Stylus dead nuts on the money, and your efforts will no doubt be greatly rewarded.
As Yip explains, take many breaks, do some, walk away, come back, check again, over, and over, so that when finally done, one has absolutely no doubts that your efforts were not wasted in vain.
I have noted that you will probably notice as I did, some very miniscule "Scratching" at the center of Reference Grids occuring, caused by the diamond tip scratching the vinyl surface of the Protractor. I imagine this cannot be avoided.
A couple of times through the process, I did do as Yip suggested, using a Q-Tip, with Alcohol to wipe the surface at the reference grids.
As to how is sounds, I didn't get too much listen time in, perhaps an hour, to test a couple of very good LPs, and it is too early to comment with numerous paragraphs of all the audiophile catch-phrases, but I will say that my sound has certainly not gotten worse with my aligning efforts, with my Airy 3X Cartridge, and I seemed to initially notice better definition-attack on leading edge of dynamic transients, slightly better, crisper detail in treble response.
As I close, I will say the Mintlp Protractor was money well spent, and I thank Yip for providing us folks with a really good product that does what its supposed to do. Mark
