Cartridge alignment channel balance measurements?

Very interesting.

Dan_ed, I have always wondered how to get around the surface noise issue, seems like surface noise alone adds quite a bit of 'variability' to the signal from what I have seen. A bandpass filter makes perfect sense. But I don't know how I would implement one, I will have to research that a little more.

Doug, I would agree on ultimately using your ears to make calibration adjustments. I have an over hang tool that came with my Technics turntable, I find the tool to adjust the needle relative to the over hang mark will put the cartridge in in the neighborhood of where it should be, but further adjustments by ear is far more precise.

Thank you both,
best,
James

James,

The filter is not needed if you have an oscilloscope to measure the channels. You will need the filter if you use a DMM to take the measurements. I don't know exactly how steep the slopes need to be, but 12 dB should be ok as a start. If you search the web there are filter calculators to help with the component values. If you go this route just find a bread board and put the filter together that way. Use the cheapest components you can find.

Doug,

What method do you use to adjust azimuth in measurable and repeatable increments of less than 1 degree? I understand how VTA and VTF can be adjusted to that kind of resolution, but azimuth has me stumped. Please describe your SOP, and how it might be applicable to all tonearms or whether it's something specialized to your Triplanar. Thanks!

David