Cartridge protractor- the best?

Pick youself up a Mobile Fidelity Geo Disk ( around $50 ) ...Very simple to use and will get you close enough to play and enjoy..You can tinker more using your ears for final adjustments......

Download an arc protractor from Conrad Hoffman's site. It's free. You simply enter the correct parameters for your table/arm combo and it does the calculation. I have virtually no inner groove distortion now that my cart is aligned using an arc protractor.

Anything that doesn't have a nail point that rests on the pivot point is useless as far as precise alignment is concerned. Buy the Feickert . The Geo disc is a joke for precise alignment.

If you have more than one turntable, several arms or change cartridges often a multi-purpose tool like the Clearaudio or the Feikert is a godsend.

For simple alignment tasks or a single turntable, arm & cartridge combination, a simpler tool will get the job done. Some like the Turntable Basics mirrored protractor, and some will prefer Yip's Mintlp tractor. I have owned both and prefer the db Systems DBP-10 protractor. For simple alignment tasks, it is probably as much as you will ever need. Although I own and use a Feikert, I always keep the db Protractor around and I do use it on a regular basis.

I think all would concur, that an Arc Style Protractor will be superior to any Sight Line Protractor, such as the Geodisc, the Turntable Basics, or others.

I haven't used the Hoffman, but if it is an Arc Type, which I assume it is, it should be superior to the ones I mention above. Problem might be, is how fine is the Arc Line, the Null Grids, and the ability to precisely align the Zenith Angle of the Cantilever?

I'll suggest the MintLP Protractor as being about the best band for the dollar, not cheap, but I see nothing within this price range that will be as good-precise.

What you'll need to know beforehand, is what will be the optimum null points for this Arm, to insure that the arm you have is indeed mounted to its manufacturer recommended specs.

If Yip concurs with your findings, and what you want, then you will be all set. Although he's in Hong Kong, he is very reliable, ships quickly, and you get what you paid for.

Many here swear by this protractor, and virtually all have noted good sonic improvements with the use of this particular tool. I have it, and feel it was a wise purchase. When you're done with the alignment with this tool, you'll be assured of knowing, and hearing it is right. Mark