New to Turntables

That “Pats Audio Adjustable Azimuth Headshell” is too expensive. At least for me, since I have 108 cartridges. Half are on headshells. I just buy the $7 aluminum headshells. I can add mass, adjust azimuth, easily file the slots longer, remove the forward lip, basically hack it to any configuration I need. I can buy 5 for your 1!

I never use those 2-point protractors. Way too finicky, too much trial and error, no way to customize the best alignment for the particular cartridge and stylus tip geometry. For a newbie, just an absolute lesson in futility and a nightmare. I use the free Conrad Hoffman Arc protractor that’s customized to my arm, my chosen alignment (Lofgren B, Lofgren A or Baerwald, or Stevenson) and my choice of recording quantity on the records.  Line up tip on the arc, make parallel to only ONE set of grids, tighten and DONE. I align many cartridges, takes about 3-5 minutes.

@elliottbnewcombjr  

After checking the specs on the cartridge that comes with the Denon Dp-450, I decided to get the Ortofon 2m red, mostly because the Denon has to  be changed out after only 400 hours of use.  That tells me it isn't a well made cartridge to wear out that fast. The Ortofon 2m red can surpass 1000 hours of use.

@wolfie62  

I have to admit that delving into the turntable arena is a lot more complicated that I had thought.

Back in the day, you just plugged the record player in, put the record on and hit play. Most were automatic when I was a kid. I later acquired a Technics turntable.  There wasn't an internet, so there wasn't any info on balancing, adjusting, calibrating or anything.  Since I worked in stereo sales, I knew enough to get a cartridge that could handle 20hz-20Khz and replaced the stock cartridge.

After doing research on what to do when my new player comes in...it's crazy.

I have to use a level to test all four corners of the player where I place it and ensure it's 100% level. Then balance the tone arm. Then use a protractor to align the cartridge. Then  balance the tone arm again. I am sweating from effort before I have even started. ;)

 The Ortofon 2m red can surpass 1000 hours of use.

No way, probably 600, it's an elliptical tip (not even nude).
1000 hrs is for shibata and related advanced profiles, but not for an elliptical. 
 
You will be disappointed after reading this article 

@chakster


Direct from Ortofon's website:

" Stylus lifetime: with proper care we find that up to 1000 hours is possible without degradation of performance. Please read about stylus care on our FAQ. "

That article is very informative, thx. Although, I do wonder how many people follow Jico's recommendation. That seems awfully short, especially if someone invested $10000 on a cartridge. One would have to start breaking down performance by dollar. Like, it might cost someone $25 to listen to an entire album (A and B side) based on wear/tear. ;)