2. analog
  3. 1090950403

Analog Set-up Tools

What kind of setup tools do you use? I have a paper protractor that came with my Origin Live arm, but I would like to buy something better. There is a simple plastic protractor (or vinyl by the looks of it in one of the catalogs) made by DB Systems for $50 that is probably similar to what I have but maybe more durable. Mobile Fidelity makes the Geo-Disk for the same price. Of interest to me is the WallyTractor which for $150 is a laser etched mirror protractor custom made for a specific table/arm combination. Also pictured in catalogs are alignment gauges from Clearaudio and Pro-Ject which look very different and I'm not sure how they work, which I'd be willing to pay for ($100 to $179) if they can give more accurate results.

Finally of interest to me is the Wally VTA gauge. Again I'm not clear on how it works but the description says it mounts on the headshell and shims are used to simulate your cartridge's height. VTA is adjusted until "it's parallel to the record" and I assume the "it's" referred to is the mounted gauge.

Has anyone used any of these or other set-up tools I'm not aware of? Are they worth the extra cost by providing more accurate or easier set-up?
jeff_ss
jeff_ss OP
91 posts
 
Thanks to all who responded. The turntable basics protractor looks good to me, and I agree no VTA gauge is necessary.
patrickamory
193 posts
 
If you've ever used the Graham cartridge alignment tool, which unfortunately only works with the Graham arms, it's extremely tough to ever use anything else.

At least the old-style built-into-the-headshell Ortofons, which I'm using these days (original SPUs and the Classic reissues), when plugged into an Ortofon arm, require no alignment whatsoever. In fact, you can't align. So long as you've got the arm's pivot-to-spindle distance correct, everything else lateral is taken care of.

VTF and VTA and azimuth remain to be done, of course. But the Ortofon arms make all that relatively easy - if not as easy as the super-versatile Graham.

Aligning a Rega or any of its spin-offs drives me absolutely nuts.

J!
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
Now, Patrick. Let's not forget that setting up a Rega is such good training and discipline, a real character builder. Any moron can set up a Graham! :-)
patrickamory
193 posts
 
Doug, you're right.... I was forgetting myself.

Frankly, I don't think I've expended more sweat and tension in any physical activity - and I mean any - than aligning my Benz L2 in my Rega. What a workout!

Patrick
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