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cartridge alignment?

so i have everything i need finally to get my 1st system up and running, yet, i have nothing to align my cartridge with, and i have no idea what to get. when i talked to the guy at united home audio, he mentioned a wallytractor, or something to that effect, but said it was like 300 bucks, where i was looking to spend around 50. if anybody could make a suggestion in that price range it would be greatly appreciated
128x128chuckelator
dekay's avatar
dekay
5,630 posts
 
Lots of info @ the following link (see the Cartridge and Turntable Setup section).

http://www.audioasylum.com/cgi/d.mpl?audio/faq.html

I also suggest starting with the free "Enjoy the Music" printout, basic hand tools (usually found around the home) and a VTF gauge.

If the cartridge is new VTA may require adjustment following 50-100 hours of playing time (for suspensions that sag a bit with intital use).
chuckelator's avatar
chuckelator OP
50 posts
 
its an older table, there is no vta adjustment as far as i know unfortunately
dekay's avatar
dekay
5,630 posts
 
In that case if you feel the sound is either too full or too bright once you get it up and running you can adjust VTA by using thicker/thinner mats.

The mats can be DIY (all mine are) made from wool felt or other fabric, cork, paper with cork or felt rounds (research "spot mat"), et cetera.

If the sound is too bright then a thicker mat is in order (thinner mat if too dull/full).

I adjusted VTA to normal/average stock and simply add a shim mat for super thin import LP's.
chuckelator's avatar
chuckelator OP
50 posts
 
ahh, i have heard that before, and sounds like a plan. all ive heard alot about is actually alligning the cart, as far as overhang goes and stuff. what about azmiuth? that i have no clue on how to go about or what its purpose is.
dekay's avatar
dekay
5,630 posts
 
Correct (good/decent-:) Azimuth is when the stylus makes similar/same contact with both sides of the groove.

It's having the center vertical line of the stylus being at a right angle to that of the flat surface of the LP (a T-joint).

Suggest you read through the articles in AA's FAQ section, linked above, as they explain is much better than I can.

However, I will say that when eyeballing this adjustment it's best to key in on the stylus stem/shaft itself, rather than focusing on the cartridge body (as stems are often cockeyed to the body of the cartridge).

The better the adjustments (up to a certain point) the better the sound, but just taking the time to ballpark them will still offer up a very, very high % of the sound quality available from the given gear.

Take your time, BE GENTLE & CAUTIOUS, and have fun with the learning process.

It's a hobby.
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