Has anyoe had problems using the mint LP tractor

Hi all,The best tractor I ever had but,as we all know:
'it depends...' In my case it depends from the sylus.
No trouble at all with my Ortofon Jubilee because I can
see the stylus clearly. Much more trouble with my Benz
Ruby because the stylus is smaller. I.e. I need more time
for the Benz.

Regards

Thom_mackris and Srwooten

Thank you for your answers. I however have never setup my turntable. When I bought my cart I had a friend of mine set it up. I'll think about buying one.

The VPI metal jig is NOT correct...that is, the Mint gave me appreciably better sound. If one suggests that there is no benefit from the Mint over the VPI jig, they had better check carefully again. I used VPI's jig on my 10.5i, checked it, then did slight adjustments using the Mint...the difference was astounding. ...and yes, the VPI 9, and 9Sig uses the same Mint protractor. The only difference between these 2 arms is the wiring - Nordost for the Sig, and Discovery for the regular one.

Mordante,

If you've never set up a TT before, there's more to it than just aligning the cartridge (which is all the Mint or any protractor can do).

If you need resources, check through old threads here, read the archived articles on Vinyl Asylum and/or watch Michael Fremer's DVD on turntable setup.

Mordante,

Doug's advice is good, and I'd follow it. Know that the most mechanically "challenging" element of a setup is in achieving the correct geometry. This is where most people are intimidated.

Depending on your arm's other features, you may well be setting up azimuth. This is as much art as it is science. Here's where a good mentor (or the Fremer DVD) will help you.

Over the recent few years, Doug, myself, and others have become impressed with the importance of having a light touch with both tracking force adjustment and anti-skate.

By this, I mean (in the case of tracking force) applying just enough to avoid mistracking. Any more, will compromise dynamics.

The same holds true for anti-skate. Treat getting to this point as a refinement - after you've lived with your setup for a month or more (or until the itch strikes to explore).

VTA is certainly important, but if your arm doesn't have a fine adjustment for this, I wouldn't get too crazy about it. I'd try to get it right (eliminate sibilants), live with it for a while, and then mess with it some more.

If you have an MC cartridge and a phono stage with adjustable loading, it may take you a bit of time to recognize the difference between too high of a VTA setting and too high of a load.

The key is to be patient and treat this as a journey. Don't get totally hung up on the destination and enjoy each new discovery as you make it.

Cheers,
Thom @ Galibier