Feickert analogue protractor....Owners impressions

Since I received my MintLP last week, I'll add my 2 cents to this discussion of the MintLP.
I was previously using Thom Makris' protractor (which is based on the same arc system as the MintLP). It turns out that, because of the much finer line of the MintLP, I discovered that I was slightly off at the null point, whereas it seemed right on the line with Thom's; likely because the line of his protractor is slightly larger than on the MintLP.
I don't have any experience with the Wally, but from my experience, comparing the MintLP with the Rega or other paper protractors (I've used a few if those in the past) is perhaps misleading, because the lines are quite a bit thicker than the MintLP.

On the point of the 10x loupe: it's very hard to use, specially if you don't have much clearance for the stylus (yes, with the Dynavector it must be quite easier, but with my Zyx Airy 3, it's tricky), but it's actually possible. It took me quite a long time to finally "see" the stylus/cantilever when doing the alignment, but it was so much more precise than the 5x magnifying glass. A bit nerve-racking too, because you have to get the loupe very close to the cartridge body...

And, yes it sounded better after all that work...
Cheers.

Jfd01 and others, If you have not all ready come across this post yet...

I would like to bring your attention to Stringreen's thread here in the analogue discussion section titled...Mint Tractor.

To anyone still interested,and an answer to the "Downunder one"(btw,don't count Federer out SO fast)!...

I communicated with Bob Graham on this exact subject yesterday.Basically to confirm what I felt I already knew....Since some of you guys definitely make me a bit insecure sometimes,with your "envelope pushing" approaches.

You're all "Fabulous Fanatics"(meant as a compliment).

He insisted(and I believe him)that the cantilever set-up jig is accurate to .001 inch(I hope that's good enough for most of us,but who knows with the Audiogoner hoy-pulloy crowd)and the 90 degree angled line(for cartridge overhang..."Downunder",which is marked ON the jig)is set for the Loefgren measurement.Of course one has to use the supplied "spindle adapter" for pivot to stylus distance,and align with the "holes" on top of the arm tube.Clearly stated in the instructions.

It could not be easier actually,and I now doubt I'll ever get the Wally,since it is being loaned to a friend,and I am totally confident in the Graham stuff.I've had enough waiting/fotzing around,and "need" to get "into" my music collection!

BUT DEFINITELY the Wally is fabulous for azimuth,and looks to RULE here!....ONLY(IMO)if you have good young eyes!Otherwise a good set of ears,and some familiar LP's will do fine -:)

Btw,thanks to those who sent me kind sentiments.....

Believe it or not,my pre/phono was delayed for one more week.My friend had the exact update done to his "same" unit,and got his about a month ago.He is going crazy,because he claims the V-Teflon cap,and Switch Mode Power Supply mods are a vast improvement over the original superb mod.

I'm SO worn out,that I have mixed feelings about the "fabulosity" of his sentiments....."Music Pleeeease'!

Next weekend is my BIG moment again!!

Hope the Barolo I've been saving for the "canned music celebration" is still good!

Best to all

Sirspeedy, i have had many of my ARC gears modified by GNSC Steve Huntley in the last few years with huge success. I now have ARC Ref 2 MKI and Ref Phono with Caddock resistors and V-Cap and Black gate Caps throughout the signal path. The Ref Phono is actually modified to my own spec. You will be quite happy with the results whichever gear you own. ARC or others. My Amps are ARC Classic 120's Mono's modified by Steve as well.

Back to the Phantom now, you have just received the series 2 and you own a Cosmos series IV. I have not received my Phantom yet but it's coming soon. Can you tell me what the effective lenght of the series 2 is as per your owner manual. Also, the pivot to spindle distance if you have it.
I hope that you enjoy playing the system as much as the Barolo.
All the best......

Smoffatt,I don't think I know about the specified lengths.I trust in Bob's set up tools.

This is the second time I've had my pre/phonostage modofied by Steve Huntley.He truly is one of the nicest folks I've dealt with,in the hobby.It;s nice to deal with someone who "really" knows his stuff,and is sincere!

Originally I had the Black Gates/Elna's put in,along with other goodies.

Now,along with the new Phantom/Orpheus,brand new Cosmos IV(which blows away my previous series III,in fit and finish/low noisefloor....GOD this is a gorgeous table,in the gloss black Fountainhead base/pump),and the custom job Jeff Rowland did on my two chassis 8t,I'm ablout to pop,in anticipation.....BUT....

I've gone through SO much aggravation,in my upgrade process,and having to push along component enhancements/repairs/upgrades(this industry really has to take a hard look at how customers are expected to pay "this" amount of money,wait SO damn long for repairs/updates,and be subject to some dealers who are "clueless" as to the finer points of potential problems,if it "really" wants to exist)that I am absolutely "numb",even though I assume I will have a far superior set-up soon.

I think I was most happy,with a simpler system,back in the day!This will hopefully change soon,or it's gonna be a couple of new Martin/Froggy Bottom/McPhearson acoustic guitars....Not such a bad proposition!

Best