Mintlp

VPI uses a proprietary, single null-point-jig to align the carts on the JMW series arms. I say 'proprietary' since HW has seemed unwilling to release any specifics on how it came to be, though I believe it's meant to skew the inevitable tracking compromise towards lower distortion on the inner grooves.

My experience has been that an arc protractor will provide more satisfying results, but at any rate, you need to learn how to mount a cartridge, for at least two reasons:

*Unless you have a dealer who will come to your home, and mount and adjust the cart on the turntable where it will be permanently situated, and said dealer has a long and revered reputation for doing exacting work, you're (much) better off doing it yourself.

*You shouldn't be going a year without checking your cart adjustment

Thanks again. I had no idea that I needed to check my cartridge alignment annually. Makes sense but I just had never given it any thought.

Well I have ordered mine. with all this talk it should be a fun time.

Hello Hevac1,

As Tvad probably remenbers I was one of the more sceptical about the MintLP Best Tractor used on my Technics SL1210 MKII and we had a long debate here about this relatively new glass template.
Well .. now I'm a MintLP addict :-) and not only I bought the one for the Technics but I also bought one for my Michell Tecnoarm and both worked "Simply Magical" on the SL and on the TW Acustic Raven One .. I guess two very different arms.. don't you agree?

Curio I remember, there were a few skeptics and I admit I was a little skeptical myself.

One of the biggest skeptics was Stringreen....how could anything be more accurate then his VPI protractor....

As you know he finally wore down and ordered one and came back with a thread of his own apologizing for being so skeptical.
I remember it well because I got such a kick out of what he said....
From there Stringreens thread filled up with testimonials and serious discussion of the Mint tractor.

Hevac I know you have a Phantom arm and I am quite familiar with the fantastic Graham set up jigs.
However believe it or not the Mint will take set up to a whole other level.

Audiofeil, Great idea for a dealer to do, supply Mint Tractors with your sales of tables.....