2. analog
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Bent Cant, Can't get azimuth right. Does it matter

Hello again,

I just got a new Benz Micro Gold for my scout and jmw-9 arm. When it arrived, the cantilever was bent slightly over to the left. I aligned using the vpi jig.
With the HI-FI news test record, I can track all the test tracks except the torture track 9. Everything sounds really good, and I am corresponding with Yip to get a mint lp sent out to me soon.

My problem is the azimuth set-up, track 5 side 2. Because the cartilever is bent slightly, in order to get the stylus perpendicular to the record I would have to tilt inward about 20 degrees! On the azimuth track, I can't get the output of the channels equal otherwise, but in all the tracking test tracks the output is identical?

My question is:

If the cartridge is tracking well (excellent) and I don't hear any distortion in my music, is having the azimuth perfect going to make a big audible difference?
I can always send it back to the dealer?

I added a photo of the cartridge to my system ( the photos need to be updated )

Any thoughts?
hanaleimike

Showing 1 response by axelwahl

axelwahl
788 posts
 
Hi Tketcham,
I do agree completely. I had a case of a 'misaligned' cantilever, and the manufacturer conceded that the cart has an "VTA error" (I was riding VERY low from the onset).
BUT as you pointed out, this also had a very detrimental effect on the internal alignment, with the result that the cart when it was measured with test record and oscilloscope performed very badly.

How such product gets past the quality assurance of a respectable and renown manufacturer is telling not a good story in deed. It is also a reflection on customers that are prepared to pay thousands of $$$ for a faulty product -- and don't query it.
In my case it took 4 month! but it was eventually replaced with a new correctly aligned cart.

Greetings,
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