Playing a mono LP with one channel out of phase will tell you more about channel balance, as it pertains to the electronics downstream from the cartridge, than about azimuth, would it not? At least that is my first reaction; I am thinking about it some more. How do you define "correct azimuth", with respect to the placement of the stylus in the groove of a stereo LP or with respect to crosstalk (and phase, if you want)? What do you hear when you do it? Seems like with a mono LP, you have a mono signal with uniform phase off the LP. The exact same signal is then fed to two channels in a stereo system. Then when you reverse the phase of one channel, you would still have signal out of that speaker and also you would have signal out of the other speaker. To some degree the two would acoustically cancel, but not nearly perfectly, because phase is affected by room reflections. Seems like you would lose SPLs and the tonal balance would be messed up. I'm just curious.
Azimuth: how critical is it?
Have restored a vintage Pioneer PL600 turntable that I use in my second system. Currently using a Sumiko magnesium head shell and a Hana EL cartridge on it.
Honestly, the sound is quite good - surprisingly so given the minimal investment.
However, my azimuth is slightly off and I’m still trying to figure out how to correct it. I may need to resort to shims if the arm doesn’t provide for it.
What am I missing with this problem?
It has bothered me enough mentally to consider a new table but I’m thinking I’ll need to invest at least $3K or more to achieve an improvement.
Thoughts?
Honestly, the sound is quite good - surprisingly so given the minimal investment.
However, my azimuth is slightly off and I’m still trying to figure out how to correct it. I may need to resort to shims if the arm doesn’t provide for it.
What am I missing with this problem?
It has bothered me enough mentally to consider a new table but I’m thinking I’ll need to invest at least $3K or more to achieve an improvement.
Thoughts?
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- 14 posts total
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lewm Playing a mono LP with one channel out of phase will tell you more about channel balance, as it pertains to the electronics downstream from the cartridge, than about azimuth, would it not?No, not at all. You can easily measure the channel balance of each component downstream from the phono cartridge, then factor that into the result of measuring the cartridge channel balance through the same electronics. How do you define "correct azimuth", with respect to the placement of the stylus in the groove of a stereo LP ...In this instance, azimuth is correct when the stylus is located with perfect symmetry in the groove. As others have noted, there can be slight misalignment of the cartridge coils, so aligning the stylus alone may not produce optimum result. Seems like with a mono LP ... The exact same signal is then fed to two channels in a stereo system. Then when you reverse the phase of one channel, you would still have signal out of that speaker ... To some degree the two would acoustically cancel, but not nearly perfectly, because phase is affected by room reflections ...You're correct, of course - that's why you don't use speakers when using a mono LP and out-of-phase channel to check azimuth. Use a meter instead. |
The more advanced the stylus shape is, the deeper it goes into the grooves, the more important Azimuth becomes. Not just for sound, but to avoid groove damage, AND get the advantages of greater surface contact area, longer stylus life. I start with a mirror the same thickness as an LP. Carefully drop the stylus onto the mirror. View from the front, the mirror will oppositely reflect, thus reveal any deviation from straight. Now what? I had to put tiny shims on one side for an arm with no adjustment, a total pain in the arse, and you want the headshell tight to the headshell, so tedious, but worth it. Also a transparent block with grid of lines is helpful https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07794JXYZ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 this transparent protractor for side view for VTA, Stylus Rake Angle is helpful https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01HF9PEA4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 |
- 14 posts total