best method for setting cartridge azimuth?

[AlexM]

Hi,

Does anyone have any tips for setting azimuth on my SL-1200 with Jelco Sa 750?. I have used a small bubble level on the headshell with the arm resting in the playback position. Is there an accurate method that doesn't involve test records and an oscilloscope (even though I have one!).

My Benz Ace has a line contact stylus, and I read that accurate alignment is necessary to get the best out of it.

Thanks in advance.

Alex

[YNWaN]

Is there an accurate method that doesn't involve test records and an oscilloscope...

Nope (sorry)

[NRG]

A small mirror?

Tried the oscilloscope and test record method and found the setting matched my setup with a small mirror! OK it relies on the stylus being in the same vertical plane as the cartridge sides but it worked for me.

[steveledzep]

A small mirror?

Tried the oscilloscope and test record method and found the setting matched my setup with a small mirror! OK it relies on the stylus being in the same vertical plane as the cartridge sides but it worked for me.

+1

Works for me too !

[budlark]

A small mirror?

Tried the oscilloscope and test record method and found the setting matched my setup with a small mirror! OK it relies on the stylus being in the same vertical plane as the cartridge sides but it worked for me.
Thin mirror!

[AlexM]

Ok - can someone explain how to look at the mirror / cantilever? I presume you look at the cantilever and its reflection from the front, and you want them to be 180 degrees, not less

Id be grateful for any enlightenment!

Thanks,
Alex

[steveledzep]

Ok - can someone explain how to look at the mirror / cantilever? I presume you look at the cantilever and its reflection from the front, and you want them to be 180 degrees, not less

Id be grateful for any enlightenment!

Place the mirror on the platter and then place the stylus on the mirror. You may have to zero anti-skate. When viewed from the front, look at the cartridge body sides and see if they form a straight line if the actual body and the reflection were to be joined up. If the line is straight, then your cartridge is vertical. As NRG says, it does rely on the stylus being parallel to the cartridge sides, this would be usual.

[Mr Kipling]

Actually, there's a meter you can get that you plug into and it gives a visual display when used with a test disc. I saw one flitting about the 'net a few weeks ago, but I've no idea where it was. Many, many moons ago HFN did a DIY one. I've still got the issue somewhere.

Strange you should mention it. I was thinking about the same thing again at the weekend and wishing I'd bookmarked the site I'd found one at.

[Macca]

If it is not vertical then how do you adjust it?

[Mr Kipling]

If it is not vertical then how do you adjust it?

Good question. Depends on what arm you have.

[Macca]

Good question. Depends on what arm you have.

Stock Technics...

[steveledzep]

Good question. Depends on what arm you have.

Used to have a SME 3009 SII Detachable Headshell. The head shell could rotate to allow correct setting. There was a lot of friction on the rotation, so once set it didn't move without some force being applied.

I now have a Roksan Tabriz ZI on a Gyrodec SE. Fortunately, azimuth was right when I initially set up. If it wasn't, I guess I'd have been experimenting with the arm mounting. I have a feeling that the column into the collar is not snug so a degree of adjustment there when setting VTA before tightening the grub screw.

[Mr Kipling]

Stock Technics...

Well, if the headshell/armtube doesn't allow for adjustment - you'd have to resort to a spacer, I suppose. You could try loosening the screw (s) that hold the headshell collar to the armtube to see if there's any rotation possible.