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Is it possible to mount cartridge without using a protractor?

Hello-

I recently purchased the Technics SL 1200 GR TT and have mounted the MoFi Master Tracker cartridge. My friend actually did the set up for me, including adjusting the arm and the phono pre. It sounds pretty good! We did this without using a protractor as I didn't see one shipped with the TT and he didn't bring one (was thinking he would)

Question is-

Should I continue to play music and order a protractor for an "official setup" or wait till the protractor arrives and adjust accordingly. I don't want to mess up the stylus or my vinyl if it's way off. I can't imagine it is as it sounds pretty darn good. 

Thanks!

Ps: Ordering the Mint Best Tractor
128x128knollbrent
pbnaudio's avatar
pbnaudio
1,613 posts
 
Mofi, 

I too have the Feickert - both new and old style - Prefer the old one.  The issue with this is that if the tonearm does not have a precise indication of the pivot point it becomes difficult.  Most do, just got the new Jelco TK950-L tonearm - fantastic bargain  by the way,  it does not have a clear indication of the pivot point though.  

Good Listening

Peter
mofimadness's avatar
mofimadness
4,993 posts
 
@pbnaudio ...Peter, I agree completely with you, that's why I've kept both.  I like the newer version a little better, as long as I can use it with that specific tonearm that has a clear cut pivot point.

I REALLY want to setup one of the new Jelco 850 or 950 arms!  Haven't had the opportunity yet, but they look really SWEET.
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
@mofimadness  
The Feickert is by far the best. I have both an original and the newer version. These work on any table and arm. Expensive yes, but I've used mine hundreds and hundreds of times, so kinda paid for itself many times over.

The problem, (well, not really a problem but a limitation) with the Mint, is that is ONLY works with one tonearm and table. When you order it, you need to include this info.

Someone should have been said this.
I will add my 50 cents: Feickert on secondhand market is much cheaper than new, but it's the real thing, German quality, and no problem to buy used for less money.  

Ag insider logo xs@2x
cleeds
5,970 posts
 
chakster


I don't like mirrors when it comes to protractors, i remember Van Den Hul protractor with mirror and it was a nighmare, because all the printed lines are reflected in the mirror and it was impossible to detect where is the actual printed line and where is the reflection of the line.
It sounds like you weren't using the tool properly. The purpose of having both the actual etched line and a reflection of the line is to sight it so that those two images align perfectly. That's how you can ensure that parallax error isn't influencing the alignment.
fleschler
2,021 posts
 
I can see difficulty using any protractor when the pivot point is poorly defined in high end tonearms.  Luckily, I have an SME IV and Ultracraft AC400 which are easy to adjust.  I always wondered how to adjust an arm with an ill-defined pivot point.
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