That last micro cartridge adjustment

Markd51, Sorry for not clarifying why I mentioned the washers. Specifically, I'm having problems with the cartridge alignment at the null points and the effective length. When I get one spot on, the other one moves. I can't tell you how many times I've made that "last final adjustment" only to make it worse instead of better. Very frustrating. It almost seams that the heads on the cartridge screws might be a tad too small for the elongated headshell slots in my VPI JMW9. So maybe tightening down on the screws might possibly be causing the screw heads to "dig in" a bit causing the cartridge to "travel" slightly when you don't really want it to? I can't say for sure this is happening, just a hunch. And yes, I really don't want to back off the screws after all that long hard work just to "try" the washers but I will if I have to. It's soooo close now but I know it can be better and it's killing me.

If your description of this issue is correct, it sounds like your assumed pivot-to-spindle distance is off.

Markpao,

The answer to your question is "yes".

Washers between the headshell and screw heads provide several benefits:

1. they reduce damage to the headshell from the spinning screw heads;

2. they stop the screws digging into the headshell and moving your setup, as you suggested;

3. they spread the load over a wider area, which provides a more stable connection.

Nylon washers work okay but they can muddy the sound a bit. Metal washers work better and sound cleaner/tighter.

You spent $100 on a protractor to optimize results. It'd be silly to take shortcuts on the installation - sorry.

Nrenter, I had a few other cartridges that I aligned prior to this one and don't recall having this problem (to this extent anyway) with the others. I will recheck that distance though and thanks for the heads up. Thats is one area I never did recheck.

Doug, You make excellent reasons for using washers. Thank you. Now I know that I "have to" back off the screws I will. I would never think to take short cuts, I just didn't want to take that route if some of you more experienced fellows thought it was a waste of time.

Anyone know where I can get the appropriate washers that I need? Looks like I need something with a very small hole but overall diameter large enough to go over the full width of the elongated headshell slots.