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Cartridge Set up Tools

Posted: Sat Jan 27, 2018 2:51 pm
by Rectified
Another band wagon the Snake oil crew like to jump onto.

However what do you use to align your Cartridge & apply Tracking force?

Nothing special with me cos you know why i do not need it.

'Metrosound' Balance i bought as new old stock around 1980 & a 'Tonar' cartridge Alignment Protractor

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Re: Cartridge Set up Tools

Posted: Sat Jan 27, 2018 3:05 pm
by Simon Hickie
Free cartridge alignment tool from Popular Hifi decades ago plus Shure cartridge balance.

Re: Cartridge Set up Tools

Posted: Sat Jan 27, 2018 3:09 pm
by Rectified
Ive still got a full set of Popular Hi-Fi mags. Big heavy mags

Re: Cartridge Set up Tools

Posted: Sat Jan 27, 2018 9:53 pm
by Geoff.R.G
I have an alignment protractor and a balance but I haven't used them since about 1980

Re: Cartridge Set up Tools

Posted: Sat Jan 27, 2018 11:49 pm
by _D_S_J_R_
I retain my Linn set up protractor (65mm null to centre distance but 'adjustable.' I also use the little Ortofon balance which is fine for basic checking, especially with the Garrards and very old Duals which aren't as accurate as the newer ones which are...

Re: Cartridge Set up Tools

Posted: Tue Mar 13, 2018 11:05 am
by davjam13
I was using an old Hifi world protractor and electronic scales and thought I had it right, I then bought a different turntable and couldn't get the antiskate right so I bought the HiFi news test lp and the difference was well worth the cost, it was like upgrading the cartridge.

Re: Cartridge Set up Tools

Posted: Tue Mar 13, 2018 3:32 pm
by Classicrock
Bastin / Polaris protractor plus a few free with magazine ones including Townshend. Shure stylus balance and £20 or less chinese electronic job from ebay. Slurpers rebadge them and charge £80+. Also have an HFS 75 test record rarely used.

Re: Cartridge Set up Tools

Posted: Tue Mar 13, 2018 7:29 pm
by mules
I use a paper protractor from Vinylengine and a £7 Neoteck set of scales. I wouldn't mind a go on a Dr Feickert thingy, just to see how far out I am (or not).

Re: Cartridge Set up Tools

Posted: Tue Mar 13, 2018 7:47 pm
by mayebaza
I use an Avid Protractor for Rega Arms. It has a mirrored surface which helps to see what the canter lever is doing. A cheap set of spirit bubbles to level the plinth and RTA. £12 scales to set the cartridge weight. Remember fine tuning is always done by ear because cartridges are hand made and my differ slightly from the manufacturer's ideal settings.

Re: Cartridge Set up Tools

Posted: Tue Mar 13, 2018 8:48 pm
by zebbo
I use the Dr Feickert set up tool, absolute breeze. Using an SME V makes it even easier as it basically just needs the spindle to pivot distance set and bob's yer uncle. The SME has a pretty accurate adjustment wheel on the side for VTF and more often than not I'll just set it with that. I checked it a couple of times with my digital scales and found that it's within next to nothing of accurate. I have a digital scale I got for subscribing to Hi-Fi News years ago, nice bit of kit actually.