EVERYTHING makes a difference the better the system it's usually easier to hear these differences.
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
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 |
Dover, I could take issue with some elements of your response to my post, Like for example that when you use a meter, you are measuring the sum of any difference in channel balance plus voltage differences due to crosstalk, but it is not important. When I asked how do you measure azimuth, that question was directed to the OP. I was interested to learn why he felt his cartridge was running with incorrect azimuth. I know how I measure azimuth, and I know that you know how you measure azimuth. I was addressing the OP.The point is, as your response also indicates, there are two different criteria for “correct azimuth”. One is the physical model that you describe, and the other is according to the electrical model, where you measure crosstalk in db or voltage . Those two methods can give very different results. For reasons that I and you and some others have already suggested. |
- 14 posts total