Leveling your turntable, your approach?


Not satisfied still with the sound from my TT setup, I decided to revisit the leveling situation. I discovered it was fine side to side, it was slightly low in the back, by 1mm or so. However, I thought why not tackle the levelness as it effects the arc of the cartridge with an actual record on the platter. A whole new issue was presented as my 5" Empire spirit level spanned from label to rim of several records to dial in a new dead level as the stylus would ride. Have I reinvented the wheel on leveling, or is this a novel approach, Cheers, BR
128x128mrrose_indy
I would have to believe that the most important factor in "leveling" would be to make sure the platter was rotating around the axis perpendicular to the vertical axis of the bearing. Imagine extending the vertical axis of the bearing and proving perpendicularity with the horizontal plane of the platter.
This same logic would also apply to the pivot point of the tonearm.
I used to use a level and go side to side, front to back, and corner to corner. Now I use a circular bubble level. It is easier and I believe it has better accuracy because it shows 360 degrees.
Do your main bearing a favor in the long run and level the bare platter with an accurate level and/or levels.

I use selected bullseye levels that cost all of $2-$3 each.

The levels were hand picked by placing them on a sheet of plate glass which had been leveled with expensive/accurate carpenters levels.

Think I went through 50, or so, to find 3 that looked good.

The local Mom & Pop hardware store let me use their high end levels, plus a sheet of flat glass (been shopping there since the 70's).

I'd guess that measuring even keel with various LP's will give various results.