Clearaudio Azimuth Optimizer V Fozgometer

Don_c55,

I have only had the Fozgometer for one week so I have not yet had the chance to experiment with other settings based on listening. What I can say at this point is that the reproduction quality I am hearing after adjustment with the Fozgometer is noticeably better than I was able to obtain before.

Interestingly, I own a 1st Gen VPI JMW 12 arm with the marked azimuth ring. I recently reinstalled my Eminent Technology ET Two air bearing arm on my TNT and am enjoying it immensely. It is, however, more difficult to consistently set azimuth on the ET Two than with the JMW 12, so I find the Fozgometer to be a real benefit here.

I will probably try some very small adjustments to the Fozgometer-determined azimuth setting to see if improvement is possible. Even if this proves to be so, I consider the Fozgometer indespensible in baselining the azimuth setting when changing cartridges or making other adjustments on the ET Two.

I wish someone would invent a similar easy-to-use and repeatable device for baselining VTA!

Happy New Year!

Dave

Don, You seem to assume that "correct" azimuth is always equal to the condition where the top surface of the cartridge body is parallel to the LP surface. Not so. Your bubble level will only be "right" for some cartridges; most are not perfectly constructed so that all the innards are oriented as you'd expect.

By the way, the bubble level must add a hell of a lot of effective mass to the tonearm. What does it weigh?

Lewm

I do not assume the optimal is with the cartridge parallel to the recored, that is just a starting point.

The bubble level that i use is very small (about 1/3 inch in diameter) and weighs next to nothing.

I aim for the diamond to be perpendicular to the record.

This assumes the cartridge is properly made, which I believe my ZYX Airy 3's are.

I believe small adjustments by ear, after the initial setting (whatever method you use), are an assurance that azimuth is spot on even if the cartridge construction is slightly off.

I may try the Fuzgometer after all, as it is not too much money.

Happy New Year,
Don C.

hello 1stump.
if you yuse a fozgometer or the claraudio azimuth optimizer, you have to read some numbers at the display and how correct can you do that? i am shure that you will come closer to the azimuth by listning with you ears.(sorry my English)
nils valla dk.