[richidoo]

I bought a AT-150MLX cartridge from robinje for my Technics SL-Q2. I had a Shure M97xe on there before but it didn't sound very good. But in reading the AT instructions, it says how important it is to adjust overhang, which I never did on the Shure. I thought I was a genius just for setting the downforce. But reading some AC threads about alignment methods is a little intimidating. The AT overhang should be 15mm according to the instruction sheet. It comes with a plastic tool they say to use for overhang, but no instructions of picture of how to use it. If I wanted to do a full alignment how would I determine the other specs for the TT? I don't have the TT manual.

What alignment tools do you recommend? I understand that the alignment is hyper critical, so I don't want tools that aren't accurate enough to do a good job.

I think the Q2 also needs better wire, it has 80s rubber vinyl midfi interconnect. What about the tonearm wire?  Are these easy to replace? I am somewhat mechanically and electrically inclined, but never opened it up yet.

I'm thinking I'll work with the Q2 to see if I have any analog aptitude, then if I can get it to sound OK then I'll look for a better table. 
Thanks much for any suggestions!
Rich

[robinje]

Hi...  robinje here!  I use the Feikert alignment tool available from Acoustic Sounds.  The first thing you do with it is measure the effective length of your tonearm installed on your table, then proceed to setting overhang and alignment via Baerwald or Lofgren curves (both are included - your choice).  The comprehensive instruction manual is easy to understand.  I can certainly recommend this device without hesitation.  It is expensive, but should last indefinitely with reasonable care during use.  There are other less expensive alternatives, too.  For cheap and easy, the MFSL Geodisc works.  Anyway, I hope you enjoy the cartridge!  Thanks again...   

[richidoo]

Thanks robinje. It is a beautiful little jewel, looks brand new, thanks!!  I looked up Feikert, found it at needledoctor.com for $250. It does look like a beautiful tool, but I think I'm not ready for that kind of commitment yet.    But while poking around there I came across this:
http://www.needledoctor.com/Technics-Overhang-Gauge?sc=2&category=422
Is this special technics tool worth $6? I do have S arm.
Thanks

[richidoo]

Found this in the stickies
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=40662.0
Thanks John

[lcrim]

As long as you have the standard 9.125 in. tonearm, that overhang gauge should work w/ your toneam.  How to use it can be found @ http://www.kabusa.com/GIF/overhang.jpg
This comes with the standard SL1200arm although there have been heated disputes on the Asylum re: its accuracy vs Baerwald. It can be purchased from KAB for $2.75

[Sonny]

I can tell you one thing, the Feikert tool is a beautiful looking tool as well as beautiful to implement.  I borrowed it from a fellow member and getting it, I adjusted my spindle to pivot, then set it up...

What this set up told me was that, based on my VPI TNT table and JMW 10 tonearm, the VPI JIG was the exact set up via the Feikert tool using the Lofgren method.

Anyways, I also used Wayner's tool, which is good, but there are limitations to paper CATs...though Wayner's tool works well!

Tuan

[richidoo]

I used the paper Technics specific protractor on vinylengine, and got it pretty close. Big difference.  Now I can hear much more, good and bad. Thanks for the help.
Rich