Azimuth and the Fozgometer

I admit I'm not as versed on these issues as you all seem to be. Having said that, here are a few remarks...

Adjusting azimuth by eye... That seems to be the preferred and less expensive method. My issue is, why is so much written about proper cartridge, tonearm, TT adjustment and their importance, but somehow azimuth adjustment is OK by eye? Just recently MF from Stereophile had a comprehensive article on STA, (stylus rake angle) and just 2 degrees off of the standard 90 degrees makes all the difference in the world. So my point is, if this is true, should we just use our eyes for azimuth as definative setup tool. As my system has gotten more resolute through the years, any "slight" changes are extremely more noticable. Therefore, why is it not acceptable to use a $250.00 device that will take one often thought about equation out of mind, so as to explore other issues?

Isn't it better to be able to rule out one importantant aspect of cartridge allignment so other sensitive issues can be addressed? Example: Tom Port tried to get me to not spend "big bucks :on a VTF meter, saying you can do it by ear. Well, yeah!. But who wants to start at a far off place only to find later that their search could have been made so much easier with a quality scale?

If you want to be Daniel Boone, go ahead, My time is impotant to me and worth a lot of money.

II'd rather spend the bucks on a quality device that will get me in the right direction. This will also allow me to check any variations I migjht suspect rather than fretting over what might be!

Slaw; excellent post! Those are my thoughts on the matter as well. Easily repeatable settings. Fine tuning may be worth the effort but if you can get to the same reference point each time with a minimum of time and effort, it's worth it's weight in titanium.

Tom

I for one would not quibble over the price of the Foz. I was trying to find out from owners how it works is all, so I could decide for myself whether it works as I would like it to do. I want my $250-instrument to take me where I want to go. Setting by eye would be OK, if you knew for sure that the transducing mechanism inside the cartridge body was completely squared away with respect to itself and to the cartridge body.

Setting VTF by ear could get one in a lot of trouble. Obviously you need to have a known measured starting point else you may crush your cantilever or damage an LP.

This sounds like a solid investment to me. That said, I can't seem to find any place that has these in stock.

Anyone know differently?