Ortofon A90 or Air Tight PC-1

If I am correct(if not please correct me), I believe, that like most carts the only recommendation that comes with the cart is the VTF. Every other adjustment is by ear. Although, the reviewers(HP) used a Fasgometer to set the Azimuth(It sounds like a cool tweek gadget for $250). Now, as far as the SRA is concerned, on my tt(walker black diamond) the only way I know of to adjust the SRA is with the VTA adjustment. Unless, you plan on shimming or bending something, I know of no other way. As far as I know there are no meters to test the VTA or SRA, they are adjusted by ear. Seeing that all the carts in the review were adjusted the same way for the A90 to be done incorrectly would mean that there is some special set up that has not been shared with the buyers/owners of the cart. Also this was not an "average set up". I have nothing against this cart. I hope it is a great one. The price seems reasonable and if it were as good as stated it would be a real deal. It just seem hard to imagine, with all the effort they put into this review and set up. I mean(ae written in the review), "Vertical Tracking Angle adjustment; an HP specialty". All I am saying is I would sample, research and/or test myself before buying. Or at least wait a few months to see if the follow up review comes out with an explination or a good review.

Hi, does anyone know what exactly the problem was with the cartridge that led them to suspect it was faulty?

Thanks, Simon.

@Koegz: The $250 Fozgometer measures crosstalk and channel levels; that's it. There are more effective technical ways to optimize azimuth. For setting SRA at the correct 92 degree angle a microscope may be the best approach. The alignment service I provide now includes this as well as listening to optimize SRA and VTA.

I have problems to believe that a company like Ortofon delivers "faulty" cartridges. I guess the "problem" has nothing to do with them.

The A90 has been the subject of multiple articles by Michael Fremer which explain just how critical the SRA/VTA is during setup. These articles go as far as to explain these advanced setup techniques and advocate the use of a USB digital microscope among other things. Of course one could still do all of the setup by ear, but the goal of using such instruments is to dramatically shorten the amount of time that it will take to achieve perfect alignment and SRA.

And as far as the notion that one should experience the cartridge before buying - I wholeheartedly agree. For anybody who will be attending Rocky Mountain Audio Fest this year, there will be ample opportunity for interested listeners to experience the A90.

Louis/Ortofon