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Cartridge Set Up Essentials

Just wondering what kit you consider "essential" for proper cartridge alignment for any/all turntables. What should every audiophile have on hand to be able to optimize cartridge set up regardless of turntable brand? For each piece of kit please comment on ease of use and consistency of results. For example, I purchased a MINT Tractor many years ago to use with my VPI Scout and found it very difficult to use--lots of eye strain and uncertain outcomes. Let's hear it!
128x128dodgealum
nandric's avatar
nandric
4,086 posts
 
The writings of our beloved Syntax are an curious mix of Kantian
categorical imperatives and Monty Python's humor.
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
jtimothya, you do not do yourself a favor when you use terms like, "sonically astonishing." The difference between "Power On" and "Power Off" is "sonically astonishing." A degree or two of arc is not. I am sorry that you spent so much on the Feickert but the DB systems protractor is less than 1/2 the price and twice as accurate because due to it's geometry it magnifies the error allowing you to see it easier. It is a little finicky to use but once you get the hang of it it works brilliantly and on any tonearm and cartridge. The trick with the "landing spot" is to use an awl and put a little indent in the circle to keep the stylus in place. Not to large or it will swallow the end of the cantilever. I also put a dab of low viscosity cyanoacrylate in the indent then quickly wipe it of which stabilizes the indent so it does not get progressively larger with use.  
pops
2,275 posts
 
Good suggestions above and most of all patience, plenty of time and no distractions.  The more you do it the better you get.

Fremer's video is good.  The late A.J. Conti provides a setup video with his tonearms that is very informative.  His theories can be applied to tonearm/cartridge setup in general. 
gakman
53 posts
 
A couple years back I bought the Rega Atlas Stylus Force Gauge. After using a couple different gauges, one was a digital scale but was magnetically attractive so was virtually impossible to use accurately. 

The Rega is extremely accurate and the readings are repeatable on subsequent readings.

I have found that setting anti skate by ear (balanced right left image) to be the best way.

Gary
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mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
Pops, AJ was quite the character. Basis is in Southern N.H not far from where I lived. A friend ( who has a Debut) and I would visit on occasion.
He almost got me to buy one of his turntables (gave me a great price on a mildly used unit) but young kids in private school kept me from doing it.
He left us a way too early (59 I think). So, all you young guys who think you are immortal get your cholesterol and blood pressure checked!
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