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Has anyoe had problems using the mint LP tractor

I have just spent about 2 or 3 hours trying to reset my cartridge using my newly acquired Mint LP Tractor and quite frankly I have found the whole experience very frustrating. I have put it down to inexperience on my part and aging eyesight........... surely I can't be the only person who has experienced difficulties, although reading the various threads here on the tractor it's beginning to look like I am!!! I intend having another attempt in a day or so, in the meantime any advice from the 'professionals' would be welcome.
wes4390
downunder
1,329 posts
 
I have the Phantom and the Mint alignment guage did make quite a positive difference in sound as I am sure with the slightly better Wally alignment tool.

For me mainly in clarity and lack of distortion in the last 3rd of an LP.

The Phantom jig gets you 98% there, but that last 2% is pretty important IMO.
stiltskin
499 posts
 
Jimjoyce my vision is good and I guess my vision would fall into the category of normal.
However attempting set up with the Mint arc protractor without the use of a magnifier of any kind and expecting and getting highly accurate results would be an incredible fluke.

Rgurney
The Graham Phantom jigs are exceptional and tower over many other tonearm manufactures supplied set up jigs.

"Careful" set up using this arc protractor from MintLp has a noteable repeatable improvement over the superb Graham jig.
Once you hear the results there is no going back.
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
Having used the Graham jig on friend's arms, I entirely agree with Downunder and Stiltskin's responses to Rgurney.

The Graham tool is wonderfully easy to use, far easier than the Turntablebasics clone that comes with a TriPlanar for example, but there is zero probability that anyone using either one could match the accuracy made possible by a protractor like the Mint.

We're talking about error reductions of SEVERAL orders of magnitude - it's not even remotely close.
rgurney
279 posts
 
I understand that the Mint LP uses the Stevenson null points and neither the Baerwald or Lofgren points. Doug/Emailists - could this account for the improvements?
Thanks.
srwooten's avatar
srwooten
694 posts
 
The trick to seeing the small (thin) lines is to use the Lupe Yip suggest, the 4X lighted magnifier he includes, following his direction, photos, and online tips, and keeping your head BACK enough for the magnifying glass to focus. I always find my head creeping in closer to get a better focus, but it’s heads BACK. BACK. IMHO.

The results prove its worth!
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