2. analog
  3. 132831-106432

Stylus alignment help

I spoke to Audio Technica regarding the alignment of the styli they sell as combo kits as I have arthritis and my fine motor skills have been affected so I find alignment quite hard. They said they are aligned out of the factory when you buy the combo kit so just plug the new one in and tighten it up.
Being a trusting individual I put the alignment template on the platter yesterday and this is how aligned my new AT120Eb is... Am i right in thinking I need to break out the screwdriver and move this to the left a little? Or is this within a margin of error?  Hope the photo links work.

First point
https://postimg.org/image/gtsk7whmz/

Second point
https://postimg.org/image/feqzj08sb/


nosleeptilldownload
noromance's avatar
noromance
9,464 posts
 
Check the stylus assembly is fully home first. I would align it so it matched the template. Whether it'll be all that noticeable as it is is another thing.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
cleeds
5,653 posts
 
There’s parallax error on these pics, so it’s difficult to tell for sure. But it does look like your overhang is way off. I'd set that first, then check for tangency, then azimuth last. Then repeat.
tablejockey
3,785 posts
 
You're aligning the cantilever, not the body of the cart, to the grid.
slaw's avatar
slaw
20,429 posts
 
Like @tablejockey says, the grid is a means of initial relationship. Going forward it is how the cantilever/stylus is in alignment.

Your pictures should be taken at straight angles.

I do find the Op's post timely as I was recently thinking about a thread on helpful hints/tools for audiophiles into vinyl that are aging or disabled that would be helpful.
tablejockey
3,785 posts
 
nosleep-

Unless your eyesight is superhero strength, get a magnifying glass and sight the cantilever as close as possible by putting the stylus on the "X’ and lining up the cantilever with the grid line. This is done looking at the cart from the front.

Once that is accomplished, try adjusting the headshell level with an average record. Listen, and bumping the arm up or down may fine tune the sound. Good luck.

edit- I wouldn't obsess on getting it perfect. Trust your ears.

More to discover