Fast azimuth test...

[1200y3]

I will stay clear of Pivot's concerns on another page, (I am just as interested) but I see no big deal with setting a an SRA and if I owned a radio station I am sure I would be smart enough to know how to fix a stylus. Maybe for manufacturers concerned with liability there may be a problem, but many items were adjusted by the jobber at the point of sale, as that is the difference between a qualified dealer and a misinformed distributor. It is nicer for some people to have a stylus that has a safely adjustable SRA when I set VTA. Some records were cut at an unorthadox angle, and we know that all records have slightly different VTAs. And anyhow, most stylus dealers had a NO RETURN ON STYLI policy.

I wanted Thomas to know that in regards to IMD vs crosstalk the stylus has to be perfectly on course while the groove modulations contact the stylus. The headshell and arm should be absolutely motionless relative to vertical tracking. That will mean the VTA has to be stable and the SRA has to be perfect with no teetering. Otherwise the movements will add to the confusion in reading the measurements. Crosstalk is not that big of a concern, but it is an indication of mistracking and excessive mass or matter. Nothing can be done about it except get a new system or adjust it. Watch the SRA closely when you do the checks to ensure it is consistent. It is about the only adjustment we neglect, and the only one we can really do. Watch from the front and the side to see a smooth "piston" action, not a "tipping". I haven't seen a JICO SAS, but I doubt it could be adjusted at the stylus anyhow, but many of the generics were hand adjusted.

BTW, I adjusted a Finetone this morning with my Shure tool (wedge), and it was like magic. I usually use a toothpick. I had no choice with my SL-DL1 linear tracking p-mount.

[pivot]

[1200y3]

NO, I AM NOT REFERRING TO THE PLATTER WEDGES! I am talking about the leg of the stylus cradle. BUT : (since we're on the topic) In the alignment procedure for the two point protarctor, (jig) it is absolutely necessary to keep the platter still and press firmly on the center spindle of the jig (it should be pinned down if it is paper) while an assistant loosens the cardridge screws and realigns THE GUAGE WITH THE PLATTER SPINDLE. The outside radius of a two point should lock the cartridge onto its parallel line while you align the spindle holes. You will get the most accurate alignment that way. With a Geo Tracktor headshell you will get an alignment so correct, every line will appear to be as acurate as a linear tracker. I never tried it but the platter wedges could work too, and they supply them with other cartridges.

[lensmanMK2]

could be that etched glare causing all the trouble

windex 2.99 in lidls throughout europe

[1200y3]

It isn't a brotherhood thing, but I did read a review that stated it did have a VTA guage, I don't take reviews as fact, but it wasn't difficult to figure out. Three things are easy to decipher (the funny shaped device the stylus is rested in). It can press the flat part of the tip in shape very safely because it can support the stylus. On the other side it has a grove that can flex the stylus up, and straighten a bent cantilever. It has some lines on the inside that obviously measure stylus shaft length, but I am not sure (or what else it can do.) It may not be needed with a VN5, but it will make any other stylus work with the cartridge. And it makes sense, because it is one cartridge I would want to keep, even I could only get N44 styli. The hole would have to be expanded, but they slip out of the case with abot 10 seconds of heat from a soldering iron, and most other Shure cases fit, including the 5xMR. Shure did release service bulletins to pro dealers, but I doubt the phono side would be a concern anymore.

(Then again I like the sound of an M92E on a SME 5 on a modern OP Amp preamp.)