Tonearm set-up


My Micro Seiki MA-505L's installation template shows minimum (62 degrees) and maximum (75 degrees) for angles out from the straight line between the record spindle and the center of the arm base hole. Is this really necessary? As longs as the pivot to spindle distance is correct, does it matter how far the tonearm has to swing to reach the edge of the record? Not sure if this is about practical/mechanical reasons like positioning on the tonearm lift or if there is there some degradation of fidelity that may occur if the tonearm is set outside those parameters?

Thank you.

128x128oldsalt

You think the anti-skate? So, maybe I just forgo anti-skate? I always thought anti-skate was simply a countering force and I am having a hard time imagining how being outside the recommended parameters  would affect this countering force tonearm.

Yes, but only lovely to look at right now. I expect it will be a lovely addition to my turntable once I figure out how to set it up.

Thanks for your reply.

 

I am not sure what Tomic is getting at by his one phrase answer, "antiskate".  Nor am I quite sure what you are asking, because you haven't painted a clear picture, at least in my mind.  All I can say is the restriction as to angles may be to accommodate the tonearm lift.  You want the lift to be positioned such that it can lift the tonearm at any point from the outermost groove to the label or the end of the runout grooves of any LP. That may encompass the arc between 62 and 75 degrees, for the 505L.  Does that make sense?

Do use antiskate but only a tiny amount.  A little goes a long way.  Usually the recommended amount of AS is more than necessary, especially for vintage tonearms like yours.

I installed two Micro Seiki 505's, one short, one long on a Luxman TT. I agree, terrific arm choice. Adjustable headshell collet is a welcome feature.

spindle to center of post is it, draw an arc, check your clearances when the dust cover is on, pivot of 77mm long rear counterweight portion, AND check below, you need room for the wide nut and heavy weight below the arm to loosely tighten and finally tighten when setting basic arm height without hitting the side of the base below.

I believe the 62-75 A to B is to position the arm post somewhat 'equally far' from the right side and top, i.e. arc of the counterweight's 77mm length 'centered from top right corner'..

Drill the hole, done.

As mentioned, next position/pivot the arm before tightening for two reasons: tonearm lift, AND to easily loosen the shaft and pivot it to raise and lower the arm height. 

Overhang, align the two null points is traditional.

Next, that arm is dynamically balanced, adjust while playing, amazing, read the manual twice!

https://www.vinylengine.com/library/micro-seiki/ma-505.shtml

 

Thank you Lewm - My picture painting skills with words could use some improvement but I think you got the gist of my query because I think the issue is the positioning of the tonearm lift (and maybe fitting within a Micro table with a cover as elliotnewcombjr points out).

Thank you elliotbnewcombjr - Thanks for the detailed instructions. Read the manual many times but will read again.

Anthony

sorry my one phrase answer attempted poke at antiskate debate missed the mark… i am in the less camp but not zero.

i agree w Lou on cue arm being the prime reason and perhaps that arc range was also what worked w the various plinth and armboards / dustcovers produced by Micro Seiki at that time.

jim