What about Uni Din?

Here is a test.  Have a person put on a album you are not familiar with.  He can choose various spots on the album.  Now you listen without seeing the turntable.  Now tell him when you hear the most and least distortion. 

If you can identify the null points successfully then I would be worried about where they are.  Also please explain  how a RS labs tone arm got rave reviews, except it is a pita to use.  It breaks almost every rule in the tone arm book.

That being said I think it is a good idea to experiment  he has a nice new tool have some fun with it.  All theory aside he has to listen to his stereo  with  his ears.

Enjoy the ride
Tom

All the science and physics related to setting up a turntable is just another part of the hobby which some enjoy and appreciate more than others.  I appreciate the fact and joy some users achieve when they view their cartridge under an electron microscope, use mega $$ protractors, test equipment and software to set up their tables.  Some may argue the virtues of using complex tools to set up their tables, but we must keep in perspective that this complex process is also a significant part of the hobby for them.  

Testpilot, sort of. I have used the DB Systems protractor for ages. $45.00
However with aging eyes I am having trouble seeing things. The Smart Tractor has a magnifier mounted to it that by all accounts works well. That is the only reason I made the plunge. Having just spent 19,000 on a record playing apparatus I want to get what I paid for.  

Some may argue the virtues of using complex tools to set up their tables, but we must keep in perspective that this complex process is also a significant part of the hobby for them.

But what is the intent.

The reality is that a properly set up mid price cartridge will usually sound better than a poorly set up expensive cartridge.

Optimising set up can also reduce stylus wear & record damage.

If you have a significant investment in a vinyl collection, investment in  decent set up tools are essential in my view.

Thanx Dover. Well said.