Before one proceeds with cartridge alignment, make sure that the platter is level ... but who's pulling your leg here? The built-in bubble level or the other two?
It was very much later, as in the last three years, did I learn more than I ever did, and that too made me realize something about this passion.... that "we've only just begun".
This mini-pictography serves as a very brief look into the mysterious 'voodoo art' of cartridge alignment. It is, by no means conclusive but sorta like a 'check-list'. If the jargon drives you mad, go seek help at an asylum... there're plenty of 'inmates' to help you out.
So if you're ready... have that cuppa, let the dog out,
ask the wife to take a walk.... and let's take the mind-boggling ride.
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Level
the turntable (or platter) Before one proceeds with cartridge alignment, make sure that the platter is level ... but who's pulling your leg here? The built-in bubble level or the other two? |
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VTF and Azimuth Next, set the arm's weight adjustment to zero and balance the arm . Dial in the VTF according to your cart's specifications and check the Azimuth. When the stylus lands on the record, the arm tube should be parallel to the LP's surface. If not, adjust the arm pillar until it is... (this is where the very light bubble-level helps out). |
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Get
The Points! Use a protractor to find your null points.... shift your tonearm* or cartridge as necessary until the cartridge body or headshell is parallel to the lines and the stylus tip lands 'on the mark'.... yes... shift what you have to, until you get it right. Above pic shows 1st outer null point. * go RTFM !! 2nd Null Point Take your time and get it right... You didn't?? Go put on those glasses and don't short-change yourself!! |
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"X"
marks the spot! When the stylus tip lands spot on at both null points, with the cartridge is in line with "the lines", you're done!... Now go get that second cuppa... |
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Closeup
view of the "landing strip"... When it's there, you're there! |
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"Strobo-Cop"
A strobe disc, whether a small or LP-sized one, will allow you to test the speed of the platter's rotation. It helps if you know the main's frequency... and it's either 50Hz or 60Hz! |
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Keeping
it still Select the speed to either 33 1/3 or 45 and start up the platter. When the speed is right, only "the chosen one" will be stable while the rest are fuzzy. |
That's it!
Now pat yourself on the back, go clean up some LPs and get that nice cold malt out of the fridge... you deserve it!. Slap on your fave artiste, sink into your sweet spot and enjoy the music!
"My Vinyl Page" ... a first attempt into another mind-boggling realm
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The mumbo-jumbo....
Platter - that round thing that you rest the record on.
VTF ( Vertical Tracking Force) - weight of stylus tip landing on LP.
Azimuth - a perpendicular 90º angle of stylus to record surface.
Protractor - that thingie with lines and stylus landing point.
'Pictography' created November 24th 2002. All rights reserved. RonWill