Alignment tool for SME V + Shelter

That is a lot of "accurates" attributed to the DB, which at best gives a close approximation of what will playback vinyl. :-)

You can easily hear the difference between 1/2 mm off and being even less, off.

Dan, like I said, the SME alignment templates, though beautifully made, rely on 'by eye' guesstimates, which hardly cut it at that level of refinement; and I'm confident anyone who has ever used them would agree ;-)

The DB alignment protractor is also beautifully crafted and allows for very precise measurements; unfortunately though, DB leaves it up to the individual to figure out how to set the stylus overhang, and does not provide a tool for doing so. Failure to set overhang exactly, and the inability to use a Vernier scale probably account for poor results when they occur, but don't blame the DB. Used properly, I think it's as accurate as anything out there.

Yes, accurate. To be correct I should comment on the basis of precision. Here is where I find the DB to come up short.
Thanks.

I have an SME V arm and bought a MINT LP Tractor when I wanted to align my new cartridge. I have used nothing more accurate. Much better than the stock SME template. Yip is a pleasure to deal with and it is well worth the investment. There are a few Audiogon threads on the MINT and the SME fixed headshell arms.

Nsgarch, you said:

"I understand your point, although I think "several mm" variation may be an exaggeration, especially with today's cartridges."

The two cartridges I use currently have a marked difference in the mounting position on my Graham arm. The Denon 103R sits pretty much mid-way in the slots (probably conforms to standard), but the Ortofon Jubilee sits quite close to the back of the slot. About 2mm difference, maybe more.

When Yip goes to such trouble to ascertain the *exact* diameter of individual turntable spindles (see post above) - you would be throwing away a lot of precision by not accounting for this type of cartridge variation when using the SME.

Of course, depending on the cartridges used, this may not be an issue.