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In the Forum: Analog Playback
In the Thread: Tonearm Alignment Method
Post Subject: It makes sense to a point only.Posted by Romy the Cat on: 8/8/2013
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 jeff1225 wrote:
Romy,Could you tell me what is the preferred alignment method (tool and geometry) of your tonearms is? I personally have always used Baerwald but I have been reading lately that Stevenson would work better for classical music.

Jeff, I do not have any preferred alignment methods and I do not follow recognized methodologies and do not follow what people say out there. I do not feel that alignment has to do with classical music or any type of music; to me it is pure geometry. I would like to hear the argument for  Stevenson and classical music but I will be arguing it as I do not feel it would be accurate hypothesis.

The Stevenson vs. Baerwald vs another couple methods is not truly applied arguments. The differences between the alignment methods are pretty much where to set the point/s of alignment reference but I do not feel that it is right argument. I for sure for two points of alignment, still we need to understand that there is no perfect alignment regardless what methodology we use.

The cartridges are not geometrically perfect. My carpenter who over 40 years built a lot educated me that there are no 90 degree angles in construction. The very same is in cartridges. There are no 90 degree angles, there are no parallel surfaces. The cantilevers are all bent, glued God knows how to the coils and the needle’s tips are not always positioned properly. For sure they have to be but it is very seldom the case. Do not forget we have absolutely zero quality control in cartridges making and they go away with everything.

Anyhow, I use regular two points alignments, set proper geometry and then look for more or less uniformed sound in the begin and end of record. I never was able to get it in perfection but the question would be: what the proximity to perfection you want to achieve? Do not forget that the perfect anti-scatting as well might be set only for a single point at the record, so by the topology of the arms I used I am restricted to have a perfect error across the disk….

The caT

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