2. analog
  3. 1298640351

How critical is alignment error??

I would appreciate advice regarding the following issue.

A tech recently installed a new tone arm on my old turntable base. The new arm has a spindle to pivot (S-P) distance of 222 MM. Upon return of the TT with the new arm, I noticed that the S-P distance was about 5 MM short, say 217 MM. I own a protractor and checked alignment. As I suspected, the cartridge overhang was about 3-4 MM over the sweet spot indicated on the protractor. BTW, I was able to move the cartridge back in the arm shell towards the pivot point, but even with the maximum adjustment, as stated, I was still off 3-4 MM.

My question is how much distortion will this error introduce in the playback? Ordinarily, I would ship the TT right back to the tech for adjustment, but I am reluctant to do so because of the possibility of damage from shipment. Further, I suspect that the fix will entail cutting out a part of the undercarriage in order to accomodate the larger arm and I suspect the tech will argue. The old arm had a S-P distance of 215 MM. If the error is signifant, I will have to reconsider what may next steps will be.

Thanks for your advice.
bifwynne

Showing 1 response by rauliruegas

Ag insider logo xs@2x
rauliruegas
12,781 posts
 
Dear Bifwynne: The other thing you can make is to change the effective tonearm length. Due that you know the precise/accurate S-P distance then your " new " set up patameters will be for overhang: 17.665 mm with an offset angle: 23.46°. This is using Löfgren A ( IEC ) but you can use the same Löfgren A with DIN standard and then the parameters will be for overhang: 16.68mm with an offset angle: 22.95°.

With both set up you could have a good set up. Use the one that permit your tonearm headshell slots.
If you can't make either set up then you have to re-drill that arm mount base to the right position.

Regards and enjoy the music,
Raul.
More to discover