I agree with flyingrad and Johannantais. I will also add that it is also worth getting the Hif Fi news set up record, and if funds permit the Cardas one.
The reason I say this is that I have a stylus gauge, and an alignment prtractor, but with the best will in the world you can't always see what you hear - lets face it analogue sounds are made within a groove less wide than a human hair. This sound is then amplified severeal times over.
On that basis a test record could help nail any problems etc.
PS only use once you've done the prtractor thing and the stylus gauge thing!
The reason I say this is that I have a stylus gauge, and an alignment prtractor, but with the best will in the world you can't always see what you hear - lets face it analogue sounds are made within a groove less wide than a human hair. This sound is then amplified severeal times over.
On that basis a test record could help nail any problems etc.
PS only use once you've done the prtractor thing and the stylus gauge thing!