Cartridge alignment tool choice

[pjc68]

I have a couple of paper alignment tools like the polaris and the hifi news test record freebie
I stumbled across a mirrored Avid meant for a rega arm and not a common universal one
www.analogueseduction.net/avid-upgrades-parts-accessories/avid-high-precision-mirrored-alignment-gauge-for-rega-arms.html
They have a universal one and 3 dedicated ones for rega, linn and sme tonearms
From what i have read the sound quality difference after using one of these instead of a universal one is not subtle (a lot better)
Some alignment tools are too expensive so this might be a worthwhile purchase
What are you using for cartridge alignment, anyone using the avid one
Paddy

[jc]

In my retail days we always used a manufacturers own alignment gauge if provided. This was as much out of habit as any other reason.

I became more convinced of the importance after I reinstalled an Alphason arm and ?cartridge on a customers deck, which came with their own very precise gauge, that was previously done with a standard one. The difference was very obvious with a previously OK sound snapping into focus and really delivering.

I've never seen the Avid gauge before but to me the idea makes sense and is in line with my experience.

[Deleted]

I used a 2 point "DB" systems card to set up my Audio Note U.K. modified RB-300 and their modified but Goldring built for them 1022/IQ-2 cartridge, all mounted on an Audio Note modified, single motor Systemdek 2X2. Then, I adjusted this and that for tuning by ear...and then...I went 'round back of the Sonneteer Sedley phono stage...where all the capacitance and resistance dip switches are, and tailored the thing for the type of music I listen to on this tt....everything!

I'd like to one day pick up a Slee Jazz Club, I believe is the model...the one that decodes all of the London ffrr and American Columbia code-ings and such, like I have in my LP collection. But, I don't know if anything (at all) will cure the dreaded "drop the needle on the digital music cut into vinyl" crap produced as "vinyl LP" nowadays. So glad to have saved my old stuff..and...to have used LP outlets around Detroit/Ann Arbor area. j

[jc]

If you have an expensive turntable set up then the Dr. Feickert protractor may be worthwhile. Looks nicely made and can very accurately measure overhang as well as alignment. A tad pricey hence the qualifier of high end kit.

[Deleted]

Mar 24, 2015 11:47:10 GMT jc said:

If you have an expensive turntable set up then the Dr. Feickert protractor may be worthwhile. Looks nicely made and can very accurately measure overhang as well as alignment. A tad pricey hence the qualifier of high end kit.

It was funny, in a masochistic sorta way, that after having spent a good chunk of change for the 2 point cartridge alignment tool, another 2 point tool was being made available on line for download to the printer, free of charge. And is said to be at least as good as the paid for model.

I've heard good things about the Dr. Feickert model, and overhang is dang important...dials in the sound. Good info...j

[pjc68]

Mar 24, 2015 11:47:10 GMT jc said:

If you have an expensive turntable set up then the Dr. Feickert protractor may be worthwhile. Looks nicely made and can very accurately measure overhang as well as alignment. A tad pricey hence the qualifier of high end kit.

I was thinking of buying this one but a dedicated rega alignment tool will do better, the Dr Feickert is a better one of the universal type
Paddy

[Deleted]

Mar 20, 2015 13:58:02 GMT pjc68 said:

I have a couple of paper alignment tools like the polaris and the hifi news test record freebie
I stumbled across a mirrored Avid meant for a rega arm and not a common universal one
www.analogueseduction.net/avid-upgrades-parts-accessories/avid-high-precision-mirrored-alignment-gauge-for-rega-arms.html
They have a universal one and 3 dedicated ones for rega, linn and sme tonearms
From what i have read the sound quality difference after using one of these instead of a universal one is not subtle (a lot better)
Some alignment tools are too expensive so this might be a worthwhile purchase
What are you using for cartridge alignment, anyone using the avid one
Paddy

pjc68...Thanks for the info!  I see it's available here in the States for $65 or so. My next purchase, I think, with some more Brightstar IsoNodes. Amazing the mark-ups twixt British Sterling and U.S.$