To LP Listeners: Fozgometer Experiences...

I've used RTA analysis of a 1KHz sine wave on an LP. Some LPs have single channel tracks.

I examine the ratio of the off channel 1KHz signal to the in channel 1KHz signal. I perform this on both channels. Once I meet specs, I usually stop. Sometimes this leaves an imbalance in the off channel minima. If the values are both less than the spec for the cartridge, I consider azimuth optimized.

One can argue that I am not aligning the stylus. This may be be true. I won't argue. However, the method I use always produces extremely low distortion (<0.25%) with excellent channel balance. 

Visual alignment is very subjective, even with a mirror or some other mechanical tool. The resolution of the eyes of most people is not good enough to accurately set the stylus azimuth. This statement comes from years of doing visual alignment. 

Of course, all the other stylus/tonearm/turntable adjustments and alignments must also be optimized in order to obtain the results I achieve.

Kevemeyer, You note that "One can argue that I am not aligning the stylus."  I obviously agree. However, in fairness, Korf notes that cartridges from the best known mass producers are often perfectly enough constructed that setting azimuth by minimizing crosstalk is synonymous with setting the stylus symmetrically in the groove.  They specifically mention Audio Technica cartridges as an example. But my point would be that one cannot know in advance what is going on inside the cartridge body, so the best evidence is to check the stylus position AFTER setting for crosstalk.  If you can visually detect that the stylus is at an angle to the groove, I would and do re-adjust to get that right. Korf also say that cartridges from boutique producers of the high end are more often flawed in construction.  I personally had that experience with my Koetsu Urushi, which led to premature demise of the stylus after I set it up using not the Fozgometer but the Signet Cartridge Analyzer, following precisely the routine you describe using a Shure test LP. I had it re-tipped by Expert Stylus and am now listening to it with azimuth set following the Korf method.  Could be the re-tip was better than original, but in every way the Urushi sounds better than it ever did when it was set up using crosstalk as the criterion for azimuth adjustment.

@lewm 

So you got a lemon.

Of course I do a sanity check. I've been doing these alignments long enough to understand that measurements if not done correctly or interpreted improperly can lead to mistakes.

My results speak for themselves.

If you regard any cartridge where setting azimuth electronically for equalizing crosstalk results in the stylus sitting at an angle to the groove as a lemon, then yes, I and many many others got a lemon.  It's more common than not. The best solution is to re-set the stylus so it IS squarely in the groove, unless you like going back and forth with your dealer until you get a perfect specimen. If you just live with the stylus at an angle you will end up with premature wear on both the stylus and your LPs, high frequency attenuation, and other distortiions.

@lewm 

I've never had a stylus so far out of alignment that I could visually see the tilt. The very tip of the stylus in nearly invisible to the unaided human eye. The rest of the stylus is for support in mounting to the cantilever and can be as crooked as needs be to obtain proper orientation of the stylus in the groove on an LP.

Korf has some good ideas. I have several of his ceramic spacers and I refer to his resonance calculations. I've enjoyed his headshell comparisons. He's one voice of many I use in order to better inform myself. 

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