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I was triggered to post this after just reading another post seeking azimuth adjustment solutions. my solution is to buy a known quality cartridge, but that answer is well outside of the clearly stated qualifying answer specifications.
This post is only about cartridge alignment , a follow up to a discussion where the main difficulty with alignment tools was considered to be a proper fit on the spindle post.
without that fit, any tool is just trash, as evidenced by the economical mirrored plastic stick that that I bought , that was useless because the hole was too large. even with the helpful way to compensate for error with a paper shim for the hole, that was offered in the discussion , I wasn't interested.
I then ordered a Rega specific aliment tool, covering the rb 100, 101, 110, 202, 220, 303, and 330, since my Michell techno arm is just a hot rodded basic rega casting.
However, I know a lot of arms use, if not the same nine and a half inch dimensions, or very close ones, as it is kind of a standard handy length. so I offer this impression of the alignment protractor made by tracking wizard .
it comes with very clear step by step cartridge alignment instructions, plus a sheet from rega about fitting a rega tone arm
the spindle hole is very slightly undersized, but the construction material has a perfect amount of flex, to grip the spindle post perfectly, and lay flat. ( using a Michell spindle post of the standard dimensions.)
naturally, such a design in plastic sheet will wear in time , but for my once in a while needs, the price is right, about , gulp, 50 dollars.
it is the same size as a long play record, has a arc to trace correct cartridge overhang, and the usual grids in two places on the arc to set alignment. I suppose it is a plastic version of an arm specific wally tool in metal, but for several hundred dollars less.
it uses the Lofgren A, baerwald design and even has all the measurements needed for those setting up a rega tonearm placement .
I opted for free shipping, which took awhile because I hadn't checked that the item would be shipped from Ukraine. it wa very well packaged and arrived in California in perfect condition.
I had previously used a DB alignment tool, for about the same price that served me well, and came with a handy case, but the softer plastic grid got some wear from repeatedly placing the diamond tips on it.
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Topic - tracking wizard custom designed cartridge alignment tool, worth a look. - beach cruiser 14:44:36 02/24/25 (1)
- RE: Azimuth is still the most difficult nut to crack, IMO. :-(( ... - andyr 03:39:03 03/13/25 (0)