To LP Listeners: Fozgometer Experiences...

@lewm very well explained, I use Krof’s method to set my azimuth also. Then I might hookup the Foz. to see what it is reading. Usually the reading is right on the money.

 I like audio Toys. That’s why I have a Foz..  It’s fun to have a tool ( that might be accurate) to verify settings. Ears are a good tool also.

It’s fun to try and make your system sound better.

Joe

I have been using a Foz meter for many years, I have a V1, along with the AP Test LP. I use it to seat the stylus as close to perfect as possible in the groove based on the Fox meter readings. I then check the channel balance and it always reads 0. Regarding crosstalk, you can see what the reading is by disconnecting the modulated RCA channel then see what the needle reads, repeat for other channel, ideally should be 0 on each channel, but we know there is always some noise crossing over.

I use a DVM to check for crosstalk, which usually I don't make any further adjustments than the Foz. I use the process that was outlined in MFremer's article in Analog Planet post. "That Crazy Little Thing Called Azimuth, part 2". My crosstalk is 36.5dBV in L and 35dBV in R, a very small difference but using the Foz has allowed me to improve on the stated specs for my Lyra Kleos.

It has resulted in a much wider 3D stage as well higher definition of instrument clarity. The Lyra carts are highly sensitive to small adjustments and perform better when you give them the attention they need. Setting a Lyra cart by sight, will not yield you the performance the cart is built to do. The Foz has easily given me a better performance from the carts I have used, I've had Delos and now use a Kleos. It also helped my AT OC9/MLII.....I think it is a great tool.

You can’t use the Foz to set the stylus tip unless you know that the internal structure of the cartridge is symmetrical with respect to the stylus tip. And if it is correct then the Foz should show you equal crosstalk in both channels when azimuth equals 90 degrees.  Otherwise the Foz will lead you to tilt the stylus tip in order to compensate for an asymmetry of the coils and magnets. Tilting the stylus tip with respect to the groove will cause distortion, aberrant stylus wear, and LP damage. That’s the point of the Korf articles. And for the Nth time, channel balance is not a goal at all when setting azimuth.

Apologies for being snotty in that last sentence. My bad.

You can look and adjust for everything and then decide on your own what settings sound best to you, on your system. Channel balance and azimuth are different settings. In my case, I don't have to make any adjustment for channel balance once I follow setting azimuth so I don't question my carts internal structure. As well when I check for crosstalk I don't need to make any further adjustments, as I get more than optimal measurements.

I recognize all carts are different and if you believe what JR Boisclair says that most carts he examines are off, then to me looking at all settings to get what you like sound wise seems to make sense. 

I think it is a fun exercise to use different tools to see what the end results sound like on your system.