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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 3 responses by hanaleimike

hanaleimike OP
125 posts
 
Update:

Benz sent me out a new cartridge, straight as an arrow. I installed it today, and there was a lot of "missing" information in the right channel with the bent cart. I am glad I sent it back, thanks. Now I have to wait for it to break-in again.
hanaleimike OP
125 posts
 
Hi Dertonarm,

I aligned my new cartridge with the Mintlp which arrived today. Even with only a few hours on the cartridge it sounds amazing compared to the last one. In regards to your comment about vtf, what in your experience is the window for the "one optimal vtf" I was playing around with the vtf tonight. When the vtf is too low, the magic of the mint is lost, when I had too high a vtf ( vpi recommends .1 plus the maximum manufacturer recommendation, which in my case would be 2.3) things start to sound damped and a bit dead. It seems to be best at around 2.2-2.3. How many decimal points is the size of this window? Should I still be fine tuning to the next decimal point? I had it and lost it a couple of times tonight in the 2.1-2.4 range. I also noticed a difference of .1 when setting the gauge on the platter vs. the record. I have been using the platter height. Any tips you may have would be greatly appreciated.

Mike
hanaleimike OP
125 posts
 
Thank you Gentlemen,

Is playing your turntable for 11 hours with the needle in the end closed groove a good way to speed the break-in process? The reason I ask is because I left it spinning last night and would love to feel like less of an IDIOT! Hopefully I haven't wrecked my new cartridge. Thanks for the vtf tips.
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