Clearaudio Azimuth Optimizer V Fozgometer

Quite a bit more?...that's an understatement! The Clearaudio Azimuth Optimizer is currently retailing for around $3150 EU ($4300 USD), so it's unlikely that anyone hanging out here at Audiogon has made a comparison with a Fozgometer. If anyone has, it's probably the folks at Musical Surroundings, the distributor for Clearaudio and the Fozgometer. I would think that they'd want to know how the Fozgometer stacks up against the Optimizer. Whether or not they'd be willing to let that information out to the general public may be another matter. '-)

I own a Fozgometer so I'm curious if anyone responds to your question and provides a comparison.

Regards,
Tom

They are both a rip-off, is what I concluded from internet audio forum searches.

I use a very small round bubble level on the top of the cartridge to set the azimuth initially, then make very small arm azimuth adjustments and listen for optimal soundstageing and low distortion.

Total cost, $10 for the bubble level from Ebay.

Azimuth is best set by ear.

Don_c55,

I did the same gig with the bubble level on the headshell for a long time.
Got a Fozgometer for Christmas and when I checked it using the AP Test
LP, the measured azimuth was way off. I thought my rig sounded great
before, but once adjusted with the Fozgometer, I hear a definite
improvement in imaging and soundstaging precision and also a reduction in
surface noise.

After seeing how a minimal (tiny) amount of headshell rotation results in
such a big shift in readings on the meter, I think that it is nearly impossible
to set azimuth precisely without some type of measurement equipment.

Just my 2 cents based on my experience.

Happy New Year!
Dave