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Calling All (Any) Cartridge Alignment Experts in Western North Carolina

...or thereabouts. I just went all in on a new analog set-up, a Luxman EQ-500 phono preamp and a Kiseki Purple Heart to mount on my Technics 1200G table. The Purple Heart, while almost universally praised, is said to be pretty finicky to set up. I've mounted and set up quite a few cartridges over the years, but I am not sure I trust my aging eyes or unsteady hand to do the PH justice. Thus my inquiry.

If you know of an alignment guru in this region--which could be expanded to include Atlanta, Charlotte, Raleigh, and Knoxville--let me know. I would greatly appreciate any good leads.
128x128waltersalas
russ69's avatar
russ69
3,519 posts
 
A pro with an oscilloscope can do the best job. Without a final signal test, it's just a guess, perhaps a physically measured accurate guess but still a guess. The oscilloscope tells all.  
waltersalas's avatar
waltersalas OP
952 posts
 
Yes, though I've done a reasonably good job of setting up a variety of cartridges over the years, with a cartridge of this caliber, I'd really like to find a pro (with an oscilloscope if possible) to get as close to perfect as can be. Thus, my inquiry.

Thanks for the responses so far.
schubert
7,386 posts
 
Of Course . I live in a city with a 4 million population with a strong AudioClub  and nobody  knows anyone who plays 'scope.
Few years back I went Chicago to get it done by a "guru' and when I got
back my Feickert showed him a good 1/4th of an inch out.
nrenter's avatar
nrenter
766 posts
 
While you track down the ‘scope guru, order a MintLP protractor and get yourself a cheap USB microscope. Accurately setting up a cart isn’t that difficult if you’re not optically straining (and you’re using a mirrored arc protractor). Will a ‘scope allow for a more accurate setup? Yup. Will you be able to tell the difference? Doubt it. 
waltersalas's avatar
waltersalas OP
952 posts
 
Many thanks for all of the responses. It appears the best bet is to take a valium, chase everybody out of the house, say a prayer, and devote an afternoon to setting it up myself. I have a Clearaudio protractor that served me pretty well setting my current cartridge, but I will look into the Mint LP protractor and a cheap microscope (hat tip to you, nrenter, for this suggestion) to help me ensure I've got it lined up correctly. Much obliged to everyone.
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