Set Up Geometry

[Ali Tait]

Now that I'm the proud owner of a Dr Feikert protractor, thought I'd ask the question, what geometry do folk use for set up, and why?

[The Barbarian]

It's like heaven when you use a TT that needs absolutely no geometry set up, no cartridge alighnment. just tracking force.

[Ali Tait]

Which TT is that mate?

[anubisgrau]

probably a laser one :mental:

[Macca]

perhaps, like the Universe, it begins with a 'Bang' ....

[Ammonite Audio]

Now that I'm the proud owner of a Dr Feikert protractor, thought I'd ask the question, what geometry do folk use for set up, and why?

I have the Clearaudio alignment jig and consistently prefer the sound when the cartridge is aligned for IEC Standard geometry (Baerwald?).

[The Barbarian]

probably a laser one :mental:

:lol: don't think so it's me your talking to here :D

[Stratmangler]

IEC Standard geometry (Baerwald?).

That's what Ortofon say about their tonearm geometry

http://www.ortofon.com/products/tonearms/ta-110

[Stratmangler]

I have and use an inexpensive Ortofon alignment protractor and set up my cartridges using that.
If I have a paranoia attack I can always check with the alignment disc that comes with the Hi-Fi News test disc - it's the same alignment.

[AlfaGTV]

After, like, ten posts you will have at least one answer.. ;)
I use the Baerwald alignment on my Dr Feickert NG protractor, which by the way is an absolutely amazing tool!
I use Bearwald as i belive its the one that gives the lowest average angular fault over a standard LP side?

Do you have another favorite?

Best regards Mike

[Ali Tait]

Cheers Mike, yes a great tool as you say. The cart is set up at the moment with Baerwald.

[Barry]

Now that I'm the proud owner of a Dr Feikert protractor, thought I'd ask the question, what geometry do folk use for set up, and why?

The geometry used in setting up an arm is the same geometry chosen by the designer of the arm. Most early British arms (early SMEs Deccas and the Keith Monks) used Stevenson, some European arms use Baerwald or sometimes Loefgren. Current arms such as the later SMEs use Baerwald. The Japanese tend to "do their own thing", as do some American arms (the Infinity Black Widow).

For an explanation of the whole tracking geometry problem see: http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?20109-Tonearm-alignment

The best answer is to look up the arm you use in vinylengines data base and use the null points calculated for the geometry of that particular arm. The underlying theory is contained in the article cited above.

[Ali Tait]

Thanks Barry, I'll take a look.

[DSJR]

Which TT is that mate?

Not Andr'e, but I'm currently enjoying my old Beogram 3000 from 1972 with SP12 stylus (similar to current avatar pic). No external overhang adjustment needed, azimuth usually pre-set at the factory as well (but is adjustable) and the ONLY time tracking force is needed is from new when the counterweight is first fitted and tracking force dialled up. Sounds quite good as well now it has a replacement belt (stylus is new unused old stock)... easily equalled a Rega/K9 back in the day (80's).