Clearaudio Azimuth Optimizer V Fozgometer

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?

Lew ..., my experiences are the same as Don's. I own a VPI Classic 2.5 (that is a Classic 1/2 plinth and Classic 3 tone arm), plus the S-S Intuit for fine adjustments. I set azimuth with the VPI skinny aluminum bar and use a metric rule to measure azimuth. Crude ... but it seems to get me in the ballpark.

Do you think I could do better with the Fozgometer? I don't even know what the thing is or what it does. I'll check it out on the web.

Frankly, I hate screwing around with the arm after I set the cartridge up. So called fine adjustments made by ear are just a PITA. What do you suggest Lew??

Have a great New Year!!

BIF

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.

For a bit more than the Fozgometer, you can get a copy of Adjust+ which does azimuth, speed stability, overall speed and frequency response measurements.

It is computer based so all the data is available for future reference.

If you download the manual, it has a lot of good info on Azimuth adjustments even if you don't buy it.

dave