This is a challenging hobby for my failing eyesight. Arrggghhh.
What is the Best Tool to Measure Cartridge Azimuth?
What do you use to measure / set azimuth of your cartridges and / or styli? I am afflicted with diminished eyesight, so aligning the azimuth of the stylus by eye is not practical.
To that end, I’ve use a simple bubble level (spirit level) about 1-1/2” in diameter to get the headshell as close to level as possible, after first leveling the platter by adjusting the turntable feet.
I figure some clever lever engineer has made an easy to use electronic tool for this purpose, but I haven’t found anything in my searches. Nature abhors a vacuum, so one day if not already, it might surface.
Until then, does anyone have alternate methods? How about using a test record? Is that feasible? I do have a couple of good oscilloscopes by the way, so I can make precise measurements of levels, phasing, frequency, etc....
To that end, I’ve use a simple bubble level (spirit level) about 1-1/2” in diameter to get the headshell as close to level as possible, after first leveling the platter by adjusting the turntable feet.
I figure some clever lever engineer has made an easy to use electronic tool for this purpose, but I haven’t found anything in my searches. Nature abhors a vacuum, so one day if not already, it might surface.
Until then, does anyone have alternate methods? How about using a test record? Is that feasible? I do have a couple of good oscilloscopes by the way, so I can make precise measurements of levels, phasing, frequency, etc....
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- 26 posts total
stringreen For those who are using a mirror make sure you have one that is slivered on the same surface as you rest the stylus, or you will set it wrong.I'm not sure why you say that. Actually, the further the silvered surface is from where the stylus sits, the more apparent any deviation from level will be. That makes it easier to set accurate azimuth, and some stylus gauges are intentionally designed just that way, such as the terrific Wallytractor. But you can set accurate azimuth either way. |
Have we become so enamored with technology that we have neglected the best tool: our EARS? First, it is easiest to set azimuth if you have a tone arm that makes it easy. Generally the VPI tonearms do NOT make it easy unless you use the dual pivot. IMO the dual pivot makes it crazy easy. Then, using a small flashlight shine it on the front of your arm and cartridge and make a horizontal line on the cartridge/arm parallel to its reflection on a record. That is your starting point; do a lot of listening. Then using your fine azimuth adjustment, move VERY slightly in one direction. Listen for a while, and if better continue with small movements in that direction until one of those settings gives you the most spread and separation. If worse, do the same in the other direction. If both worse, stay at level. Best of all, your ears are free! |
- 26 posts total