Questions on Overhang/Cartridge Alignment using Dr Feikert Protractor on VPI Classic 3


So I recently bought a used VPI Classic 3 that came with a low hours Soundsmith Zephyr 2 cartridge.

I wanted to make setup as accurate as possible so I bought the Dr Feikert Protractor.
I first make sure that the Spindle to Pivot length was correct which I read online was supposed to be 258mm.

See pic below.


This was measured by taking off the tonearm and measuring exactly from the spindle to the bare sharp point of the unipivot point.
After that was done I mounted the cartridge to the arm and got the step 1 in perfect bullseye.



Step 2 however is where things get off.   I'm coming up about 2 mm long on step 2.



Step 3 is also off as its about 1.25 mm short of the line.

Here is a shot showing approximately the location of all 3 points.



Any ideas on what I can do to fix this where it hits all 3.   I'm at a loss being that the Spindle to Pivot point is right on at the 258mm length which i was told is correct for the VPI Classic tables.
Thanks for any assistance you can provide.
newguru

Showing 4 responses by chakster

When you finished with step-1 with given PS distance (and your cart is alignet accordingly) YOU HAVE TO ROTATE THE PLATTER a little bit to put the needle tip on a target (cross) doing step-2 and step-3. Just read the manual. Without moving the platter you can’t do all steps. I have and use Dr.Feickert protractor.

Last 2 steps are not for overhang, they are for cantilever alignment, it must be in line, you might have to twist your cartridge body doing step-2,3.

Seeing the cantilever from all angles is easy. I did not even have to use the magnifier. If you can see through to afford it, it is most definitely worth it. If you change cartridges frequently there is no better way to go.


I don’t like the mirror surface on any protractor, you will see not only reflections of the cartridge and cantilever, but also reflections of the alignment lines on the protractor. I put my VdH mirror protractor to the garbage. The reason to avoid the mirror surface is pretty obvious!

I never looked at the Feikert closely but the grids are vague. I know the SmarTractor is something like twice as expensive but it is vastly superior and intuitive.

Do not comment on something you never tried yourself.
Dr. Feickert NG is great for all my cartridges and tonearms. The build quality is superb! Actually if step-1 is correct then you’re done. If you can see a white lines on black surface you don’t need anything else except for the flashlight (provided with a Feickert protractor).

I don’t use a magnifying glass during the alignment process (never).
@mijistyn SmartTractor is just like Feickert but for crazy price with help for blind people. 

I paid no more than £100 for my new Feickert.


I am talking about Dr. Feickert NG (next generation, the latest, not previous versions). Here is a mini review. 
I can align any cartridge using the FREE protractor given with the Hi-Fi News Test LP, it does not have a PS distance ruler, but it’s FREE. Or with a template given by the tonearm manufacturer (or even with a nice 52mm overhang gauge given by Technics for their tonearms). I am not crazy about protractors, it’s a very simple tool and when someone asks absolutely insane prices just for a bonus magnifying glass and a piece of plastic I can remember all those years when I aligned carts without any of those expensive devices.

However, I think Dr.Feickert is good for 100 quids for people with many different tonearms and turntables.