"Straight" talk


I can't emphasize enough about the importance of proper azimuth.  When even a bit off, the result is smearing of soundstage, emphasis of one channel or the other, blurring of lyrics, loss or air around the instruments...etc.  If Paul Simon (et al) doesn't sing in his own space exactly between your speakers....better get a Foz.
128x128stringreen
According to www.analogplanet.com , the later versions of the Foz are self-calibrating.

Regarding setting azimuth by ear... some rooms are not symmetrical and there may be other room circumstances that would be beneficial to set azimuth by ear. It is more fun.
@stringreen,

Why do you dismiss offhanded (setting azimuth by ear?)

With the 3d arm, this operation should be quick and easy. And an experienced music listener such as yourself, should be able to perform, no problem.

Forget the FOZ!

Lay a CD playing side up on your turntable. Put a very tiny bubble level (you can find them on Ebay) on top of the head shell just in front of the mounting screws. Set the stylus on the CD. Then repeat, to adjust the azimuth to "center" the bubble.

The diamond will be exactly vertical to the Lp, and the azimuth optimal.

Makes a very big difference in size and width of soundstage, and also improves detail.

@don_c55, you are assuming that the stylus is perfectly aligned and affixed to the cantilever with absolute accuracy, which rarely happens with a hand made component.
Slaw et al.....without looking at the speedometer...can anyone tell when you're going 56 mph....