[Funkstar De Luxe]

I notice that at the beginning of a record the left channel is slightly louder then neared the end, the right channel is slightly louder (always by around 0.5dB).  This is the case with almost all of my records.  They consist mainly of poorly pressed 'dance' 12".  So a single 8min track is stretched over the entire side.  Is this a limitation of vinyl?  Bad pressings?  I used the standard Technics alignment too to set overhang, and azimuth looks fine to me.  Should the cart be exactly in the middle of the head shell, or should I align it with the overhand gauge too (meaning the cart would be twisted heavily to the left?)

Gear: Technics 1210 MK3D, AT440MLa, 640P though an EMU 1820m sound card, and a pair of Yamaha HS50 monitors

Thanks,

Tony

[BobM]

Check your cartridge alignment first and foremost, as well as making sure you have the proper overhang, then play with your anti-skate. One or all may be the culprit.

[Funkstar De Luxe]

Thanks for the reply.  I have set the overhang well, I set the antiskate with Hi-Fi News LP (2.5), VTA is 0 and weight is 1.9.

What I don't understand is this; should the cart site absolute centre of the headshell?  Or should I also align that with the overhang gauge?  In that last pic you can see that the cart is in the centre of the shell, but does not align with the overhand gauge.








Also, I do have some records that play well.

[Wayner]

I have the exact turntable set-up and first of all, your tracking way too heavy. 1.5 or 1.6 is all that is needed. If you zero balanced the tonearm before dialing the weight, you should be close with the Technics, tho I always check the dialed in weight with a VTF gauge, like the Shure SFG-2. Your anti-skating then is also off. I would put it at about 2.3. Your alignment looks OK from the pictures. Make damn sure the front edge of the cartridge is parallel with the front edge of the headshell, but it does look good.

Wayner 

[mjcmt]

Try using this downloadable Technics Arc alignment protractor for your SL12-- from Vinyl Engine. I printed it out on heavier paper and cut the hole.

http://www.vinylengine.com/cartridge-alignment-protractors.shtml