HiFi News Test Record Azimuth

I’ll go with MC’s #1

Analog is not perfect. Importance is based on sound quality.

While listening, sibilance will turn into detail with longer trails when azimuth is correct.

While somewhat closely related to Anti-Skating, more than other setup parameters, the objective in simple terms is to get the U shaped stylus properly oriented in the V shaped groove for optimal contact of the groove walls.

Use of Acoustic Sounds Ultimate Analogue Test LP and Fozgometer can often be optimal is my go to for starters. Realize though that we are introducing an electrical variable to a mechanical measurement and coil separation differences between channels can sometimes mess things up.

boothroyd, Preservation of your records will do a whole lot more for sound quality than an overpriced meter will ever hope to. The mirror method will properly orient the diamond and if the cartridge is well made the coils also. If it's not...then what does it matter. Crosstalk in cartridges is terrible to begin with, a dB here or there really does not matter. I have checked the mirror method with my Hi Fi News record and an oscilloscope. I check every cartridge when I set it up for the first time to make sure it is constructed well. Every cartridge I have gotten since I have been doing this has been easily within a dB. In other words most cartridges are well made today and the mirror method gets you real close while optimizing record wear. The benefit being no need to waste money on a meter.

The mirror method will properly orient the diamond and if the cartridge is well made the
coils also. 

What is the mirror method?

kunalraiker

What is the mirror method?

You can use the reflection of the bottom of a phono cartridge in a mirror to set azimuth, by ensuring the bottom of the cartridge is parallel to its reflection.

Some mirrored phono alignment gauges also include a point indicating proper overhang for the stylus, and a line inscribed on the mirror to aid in setting horizontal tracking angle ("zenith"). In use, the user aligns the reflection of the line so it evenly aligns with the phono cartridge cantilever.

The older Wallytractor gauges work this way. It’s more difficult to describe than it is in actual use.

The mirror method will properly orient the diamond and if the cartridge is well made the
coils also.

What is the mirror method?

If the cartridge is well made then the stylus is aligned with the cantilever is aligned with the generator is aligned with the body. Therefore we can look at the body. So what do we need a mirror for? 

Audiophiles always making things unnecessarily, illogically, complicated.