Ortofon A90 or Air Tight PC-1

The A90 has been the subject of multiple articles by Michael Fremer which explain just how critical the SRA/VTA is during setup. These articles go as far as to explain these advanced setup techniques and advocate the use of a USB digital microscope among other things. Of course one could still do all of the setup by ear, but the goal of using such instruments is to dramatically shorten the amount of time that it will take to achieve perfect alignment and SRA.

And as far as the notion that one should experience the cartridge before buying - I wholeheartedly agree. For anybody who will be attending Rocky Mountain Audio Fest this year, there will be ample opportunity for interested listeners to experience the A90.

Louis/Ortofon

But what was the problem, distortion, to lean, bright, please enlighten me if you can. I am genuinely interested.

Simon.

Audiofeil......AMEN!!!!

Downunder....I agree with you re: SRA adjustment.

Ldorio....If SRA need to be adjusted with a USB microscope perhaps every A90 should come with one. Or, at the very least, Ortofon should provide a chart as a starting point to obtain the desire 92 degrees SRA. Example below.

2.0g.....VTA at 5mm above parallel
2.3g.....VTA at 10mm above parallel
2.5g.....VTA at 15mm above parallel

Disclaimer: I own an A90 and a XV1's and they are both sonic marvel....in my system of course.

Ldorio. You have given us no help here.

Since when did Michael Fremer work for Ortofon?

I am asking you as a representative from Ortofon. Shouldn't you know. If you don't, ask Ortofon head office.

You indicate TAS screwed up the setup of the A90. Did you ask them to contact or read Fremer articles on how to set up the A90 correctly?

BTW, I own an A90.

Smoffat, very good simple idea that ortofon could do for all cartridges having the replicant 100 stylus profile.

I have been giving this a lot of thought. I understand Essentialaudio what you are saying, but, to me, it is absurd to say the only way to install an anolog cart is with a digital microscope. So I went on clearaudio's site. They have a simple set of instructions to install the cart. To set the vta you measure the distance between the lowest part of the cart body and the test record, .2mm to .5mm. Now if you think about it, as your 92 degree angle, which I have read about elsewhere, it is all MATH! The cantilever should be the same angle off the cart body, with in a reasonable(minute) limit of error, on all the ones of a particular model and brand. Once you know that angle, the rest is easy to figure out. Hence the goldfinger solution. A simple, cheap set of feeler gages, then adjust by ear.