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Tonearm compatibility and advice

Dear Vinyl Gurus,

Does the spindle-to-pivot distance determine whether an arm fits a particular table? Or is the needle-to-pivot the determining factor? Or does the headshell adjustment allow you to make up for small mismatches?

The tonearm mounting hole on my table is exactly 222 mm from the center of the hole to the spindle. I was considering a Hadcock GH 228 Export, but I'm confused whether it will work with my table. The spindle to pivot distance for the Hadcock is 212.8 mm, which is 9 mm short, but the needle to pivot distance is specified as 228.6 mm which will make the needle overhang by 6.6 mm.

I would greatly appreciate help understanding this geometry stuff. More specifically, will this arm work with my table? Thanks in advance.

For what it's worth:

TT spindle to center of mounting hole: 222 mm
TT arm mounting diameter: 22 mm
Hadcock GH 228 spindle to pivot: 212.8 mm
Hadcock GH 228 pivot base diameter: ~15 mm
Hadcock GH 228 specs
My table specs
mingles
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
Rene,

The Mint is indeed designed for an arm mounted at the designed pivot-to-spindle distance, and is useless for any other distance. My OL Silver (Rega clone) was designed for 222mm. Regas can be mounted at that distance AFAIK. Whether it would be optimal with a Mint I'd leave up to Yip (the maker). He'd give honest advice.

I agree the Denon 103 is poorly suited for a Hadcock. Good observation. Frankly, if air and spaciousness were high on my list of sonic goals a Denon 103 wouldn't be among the first cartridges I'd choose. On the right arm it's a great performer, especially for the money, but its strengths lie elsewhere.

Mingles,

Another (cheap) tweak to consider for a Rega/103 combo is the Strange Tonearm Tweak. This ingenious device, which you can DIY for about $5, made my $1K OL Silver sound like a $3K tonearm. Even better, the tweak was designed specifically for a Denon 103/Rega combination.

Nothing you can do will give you as much bang for your buck, and it's fun and highly educational too. I can't recommend that old discussion thread strongly enough. The author's enthusiasm and knowledge are what pulled me back into vinyl (and that's cost me about $20K, so be careful who you listen to!).
mingles OP
796 posts
 
Frankly, if air and spaciousness were high on my list of sonic goals a Denon 103 wouldn't be among the first cartridges I'd choose.
Doug, with spaciousness in mind, using an RB300, what cartridges would you consider in the less than $600 category.
stanwal's avatar
stanwal
3,147 posts
 
If you like Denon, the 304 is thought by many overseas to be their best cart. in many respects. It is compatable with the Rega arm [I use one in my SME IV on a Basis Ovation] and should be around your price range.It is a very good cartridge.
mingles OP
796 posts
 
Hi Stanwal, I'm sure the 304 is an excellent cartridge, but I feel the need to try something other than a Denon. I had a DL-160 for many years and currently have a 103 and a 103R. I'm ready for a change. Previous carts I've owned are Grado Sonata, Benz Glider L2 nude, Roksan Corus. I'm also familiar with my friend's Dynavector DV-20XH and like it quite a bit.

I bought the Mint Tractor today and had it configured for the MA-707 arm. I'm going to pull out the RB300. I'd like to rewire the 707, but it doesn't look like an easy project. I have no idea how the bearing comes apart. I don't want to break it. I may just stick with the original 25 year-old wire.
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