[orthobiz]

OK, I have succeeded in accumulating a bunch of turntables. Five to be exact. Now I have to set them up, except maybe my trusty Linn Sondek which was set up by the vinylista at my local hifi shoppe (only 193 miles away is "local" up here). I know lots of this stuff is covered in bits and pieces in other threads,

So far, I have a Shure pressure gauge, a MicroTech pressure gauge, a GeoDisc, a nice metal ruler.

I bought a table from Wayner who supplied a custom cardboard protractor. Another table from John and I believe (I haven't opened the box yet) it has some VPI setup tools in the box.

So, I'm looking at other ancillary stuff to help me.

DB Systems Cartridge Alignment:
http://store.acousticsounds.com/browse_detail.cfm?Title_ID=12460

LP Gear Cartridge Alignment:
http://www.lpgear.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=LG&Product_Code=LPGCAT
It comes with the Zero Level (like where exactly does that go in cartridge alignment?)
http://www.lpgear.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=LG&Product_Code=LPGZero&Category_Code=PE

Analogue Productions LP test record:
http://store.acousticsounds.com/browse_detail.cfm?title_ID=35532&&banner_id=12835

HiFi News Test Record:
http://www.needledoctor.com/Hi-Fi-News-Test-Record

Alignment Jig from ProJect (looks interesting):
http://www.needledoctor.com/Pro-Ject-Allign-it-Cartridge-Allignment-Tool;jsessionid=0a0107431f43fb79b555f4874c4683f5ce01dc3e5e1e.e3eTaxiPc3mTe3eTe0?sc=2&category=422

Fremer DVD:
http://www.needledoctor.com/Michael-Fremer-Turntable-Set-Up-DVD?sc=2&category=422
He sets up a VPI Scoutmaster, wondering if the HW-19 III shares any setup with it?

How about mirrors:
http://www.turntablebasics.com/align.html

Even free stuff:
http://www.enjoythemusic.com/freestuff.htm

Since I have my original GeoDisc and my Shure Gauge is still in the original box, I'm the kinda guy who keeps stuff forever, so I don't mind buying setup stuff as long as it's useful. So for someone who doesn't know his Beowulf from his Nils Lofgren (or was it Lagerfeld?), HELP!

thanks,

Paul

[TheChairGuy]

Paul,

The VPI has the Cart-a-Line in it...which is VPI's recommended tool with the HW-19.  I've used that in conjunction with Hi Fi News Test disc (to hear what I may not be able to do geometrically) and it sounded great.

Don't get too caught up in too much the set-up stuff...tho it certainly matters....one can lose site of the forest for the trees in the way sometimes

Unless you find pure pleasure in the setup (as Wayner and other 'quants' likely do...but, that's their nature/personality); try to keep as much of it to a minimum to focus on the enjoyment of the hobby.

Set up those tables, strap a cartridge to it, do your best in setup and enjoy the vibrant sound of great vinyl

John

[Wayner]

I know I'm sometimes too fussy about cartridge set-up, but I get worked up when I see products that claim to be one size fits all. I at least have proven to my self with my knowledge of geometry and my trusty CAD, that that ain't possible. That is why I have developed my own protractor tool (see Franks circle).

I do love vinyl tho and John, we are turning Paul into a table head as well. How many tables, Paul, 5?
Your sick!  aa Or as another member once told me.....why do you need so many tables, you can only listen to one at a time? And to that I say, bite me.

Wayner, the vinyl Phool. 

[TheChairGuy]

I know I'm sometimes too fussy about cartridge set-up, but I get worked up when I see products that claim to be one size fits all. I at least have proven to my self with my knowledge of geometry and my trusty CAD, that that ain't possible. That is why I have developed my own protractor tool (see Franks circle).

Yup, and I think it's friggin' great that you love that stuff and are good at it

For the vast majority of us, largely inept (okay, I'll speak for myself if no one comes forward to join me ), it's not a pleasure to tweek all those parameters.

Everybody is as different as life itself

I'm gonna' celebrate it with a hoped-for win over Carolina tonite ( I haven't been this revved up over hoops in 25 years)

John

[Wayner]

Yep, your right there, buddy! Sometimes, working on tables can really blow, but I try to convince myself that it's worth it in the end. And sometimes it ain't!

Wayner 

[orthobiz]

The turntablebasics.com mirrored setup guide is intriguing because won't the mirror help with visual azimuth adjustment? Even if the etchings aren't perfect?

And what test discs do you own, Wayner?

Paul

[Wayner]

You can use any flat mirror to do an azimuth check. Lay it face up and plop the stylus on it. View both the image and the cartridge at the same time. You'll quickly see if anyting is leaning to one side or the other as viewing the image and the cartridge at the same time actually doubles the error.

I have 2000+ test records....well I do have one, but I don't really use it. I trust my ears. When a table is properly set-up, it will let you know.

Wayner 

[Wayner]

Also found this site. Go look at the technical section and you can see cutting lathes, presses and stuff like that.

http://www.aardvarkmastering.com/riaa.htm

Wayner