2. analog
  3. 1170875591

Magnepan tonearm

Hi,

I posted some time ago about an old Micro Seiki turntable (BL21) that I purchased w/ a Magnepan Unitrac tonearm. I just purchased another turntable, a Systemdek 2X2 (similar to the current Audio Note 1 table), and moved the Magnepan to the Systemdek. Even with a budget Grado, this combination is quite impressive, and an improvement from what I thought was quite decent sound with the Micro Seiki. Very coherent, with a nice midrange. Perhaps not the best LF, but only compared w/ much more expensive vinyl rigs. The Systemdek came w/ a Rega armboard, which fit the Magnepan. However, I understand that the ideal mounting distance for the Magnepan is slightly off with the Rega armboard. I asked this question once before here or at AA, but does anyone know what adjustments I should make to the armboard to get the Magnepan in an ideal setup? Thanks,

TLH
tlh28
tlh28 OP
91 posts
 
Thanks to all. The arm sounds really good on the Systemdek, even with an inexpensive cartridge, but I my ears tell me its not quite set up ideally. I'm upgrading to a little better cartridge and will play around with setup some more once I get the new cartridge. I was hoping that the armboard had a little play so I could adjust the distance if needed, but the arm fits pretty snugly on the armboard. I would have to cut into the armboard hole a little to make adjustments. Anyone think it would be worthwhile for 2mm? Thanks,

TLH
analogluvr
859 posts
 
Could you not make up the two MM with the cartridge location?
fleib
1,124 posts
 
TLH,
If you want it perfect, you might have to drill a new armboard. There's another set-up parameter with the mounting hole. From center hole to spindle and to the straight ahead position, the hole should be located so this is a 57° angle.
I was thinking of making a headshell lifter like an outrigger that's the same on both sides, but I haven't gotten around to it. A conventional lifter works, but it throws off the balance slightly.
Regards,
More to discover