setting the azimuth

Yes, in arms with no azimuth adjustment, shims are one of the only ways, and this scares people off from even trying. And, it is too bad because azimuth adjustment is imperative for a completely "true" setup. This is one reason, among others, that I will never buy another Rega-based arm (though I own a couple). But that is another story.

Peter_s,

Go to this site and scroll down to the fourth photo for one pretty simple way to shim for azimuth:

http://www.simplyblack.net/WVC/Technical_F_wally.htm

The tape makes azimuth adjustment quite simple. Just alter the tension on the mounting screws. I used this method on my OL Silver.

Of course any shim will alter the coupling between cartridge and headshell. Whether the sonic improvement from optimizing azimuth will outweigh any possible negatives would vary from cartridge to cartridge, and probably from rig to rig, system to system and even listener to listener.

Like 4yanx, we spoiled ourselves by moving up to perhaps the most adjustable arm in existence. It would be hard to go backwards, but workarounds like Wally's are often effective.

Doug,

With regards to fine-tuning by ear, what do yoy think of the following idea:

Select a few CD's that you alos have the lp's and listen for image placement on various tracks on the CD's and then repeat with the LP to see if they are located in the same place and adjust azimuth until the image of the lp's is similar to the Cd's.

A basic question. If the image is to far left, how do you adkust the cartridge. do you rotate it clockwise or counterclockwise when looking at the front of the cartridge? Come down to what makes the difference. the tip of the needle or the top edge.

Thanks,

Andrew