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Variations of the Micro Seiki MA505 tonearm

I recently purchased an MS MA505 MkIII tonearm. This unit has the straight, replaceable arm tube, but unlike earlier versions of the MA505 (with the S-shaped arm tube) that I have seen in photos only, it does not have VTA "on the fly" adjustment, nor does it have the weight that extends out on a horizontal post from the vertical bearing on the inner side of the tonearm, which is referred to in early MA505 manuals as the "lateral balance weight". The various MA505 manuals do not use the term "azimuth" anywhere, but does the lateral balance weight allow for azimuth adjustment? And if so, why oh why did MS eliminate both VTA on the fly and easy azimuth adjustment when they went from the MkII to the MkIII version of the MA505? As far as I can tell, one cannot adjust azimuth at all with the MkIII version, except by the usual primitive method of shimming the cartridge body. Thanks in advance for any relevant information on this subject.
lewm
lewm OP
13,195 posts
 
Thanks for your input, Thom. Since the VTA is easily adjusted, though not "on the fly", I have no complaint. I do however wish there were a mechanical adjustment for azimuth. I guess I am spoiled by my long term experience with the Wheaton Triplanar.
thom_at_galibier_design's avatar
thom_at_galibier_design
729 posts
 
Hi Lewm,

Yes, having azimuth adjustment (and certainly the user interface of a Triplanar) will ruin you for everything else.

Cheers,
Thom @ Galibier
lewm OP
13,195 posts
 
Clio09, I too considered the possibility that I could adjust azimuth simply by twisting the arm tube where it mates to the rear portion of the mechanism, but alas that does not work. The arm tube needs to be fixed in place by tightening down on a knurled screw; with that screw loose (if you'll pardon the expression) you can wiggle the arm tube a little bit, but you are putting stress on the stationary male contact pins that reside within the rear mechanism. Not a good idea at all. The headshell seems to be held in place by tiny screws under the end of the arm tube. My one last hope is that one can twist the headshell a bit when those screws are loose, but I strongly doubt it.
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