A good explanation of the blank record and the similar use of the run-out section of the record can be found if the last listed video here:
https://www.sound-smith.com/articles/videos
This is the method now endorsed by Peter Ledermann and Frank Shroeder (tonearm maker). It is also the method described in the instruction manual of one of my cartridges (I believe it is the one for the Lyra Titan, so J.C. Carr is also endorsing this method). The video explains why this is a reasonable approximation.
Someone mention listening for how well centered is a soloist on records with a well-defined center image. To me, that would work only if your cartridge had perfect channel balance and few owners are that lucky. I would rather have the cartridge set up for optimum physical alignment, and compensate for channel imbalance with the balance control on my linestage.
https://www.sound-smith.com/articles/videos
This is the method now endorsed by Peter Ledermann and Frank Shroeder (tonearm maker). It is also the method described in the instruction manual of one of my cartridges (I believe it is the one for the Lyra Titan, so J.C. Carr is also endorsing this method). The video explains why this is a reasonable approximation.
Someone mention listening for how well centered is a soloist on records with a well-defined center image. To me, that would work only if your cartridge had perfect channel balance and few owners are that lucky. I would rather have the cartridge set up for optimum physical alignment, and compensate for channel imbalance with the balance control on my linestage.