[THROWBACK]

 I bet this topic has been discussed before, but I'm somewhat new to AC and I don't know how to do a search. Anyway, what's the latest?

[YoungDave]

The best tool I have found is the Feickert Adjust+ system.  It is a software application for use with a computer soundcard and test record, comprising all kinds of functions - oscilloscope, distortion analyzer, resonance plotter, azimuth measurement.  All the tests can be charted and recorded.

The great thing about the azimuth tool, which alone is worth the price of Adjust+, is that it measures not just relative signal strength and crosstalk vs azimuth, but also phase angle between channels, something that varies greatly with azimuth but centers right up when you've reached the sweet spot.  Equal phase angle left to right  is not always at minimum crosstalk, so there needs to be a way to chart both parameters and pick the best fit.

I have never found correct azimuth to be exactly headshell-perpendicular to the record, either, so it requires quantitative measurement to find it.

The fozgometer is just a voltmeter as far as I can see, that is, it only measures signal amplitude and not also signal phase.  You really need to know both parameters.

Soundsmith makes some great products and Peter Ledermann is a fine man, but I have not looked at the cartright.  I am happy with Adjust+.

I use a VPI HR-X with VPI JMW12.6 arm.  I have used various Cardas, AudioTekne, Soundsmith Strain Gauge, and, now, Dynavector XV-1s cartridges and they all needed quantitative-based setup.  Maybe some people have golden ears and the experience to whip a cartridge into shape by ear, but I would have to see it to believe it.

[Gopher]

I only have experience with the Fozgometer and the difference it made with my Zu 103 Grade 2 prime cartridge on my Well Tempered Reference arm is huge.  My friend who brought it over didn't like the sound of my analog front end at all until azimuth was nailed and then he loved it.

I'd set the cartridge body to be paralel with the record which was very wrong in my case.  My cartridge is visibly cocked to the side when playing, but sounds great.

Would love it if someone with the Feickert Adjust+ tool were local to give my rig a once over. 

[neobop]

The best tool I have found is the Feickert Adjust+ system.  It is a software application for use with a computer soundcard and test record, comprising all kinds of functions - oscilloscope, distortion analyzer, resonance plotter, azimuth measurement.  All the tests can be charted and recorded.

The great thing about the azimuth tool, which alone is worth the price of Adjust+, is that it measures not just relative signal strength and crosstalk vs azimuth, but also phase angle between channels, something that varies greatly with azimuth but centers right up when you've reached the sweet spot.  Equal phase angle left to right  is not always at minimum crosstalk, so there needs to be a way to chart both parameters and pick the best fit.

I have never found correct azimuth to be exactly headshell-perpendicular to the record, either, so it requires quantitative measurement to find it.

The fozgometer is just a voltmeter as far as I can see, that is, it only measures signal amplitude and not also signal phase.  You really need to know both parameters.

Soundsmith makes some great products and Peter Ledermann is a fine man, but I have not looked at the cartright.  I am happy with Adjust+.

I use a VPI HR-X with VPI JMW12.6 arm.  I have used various Cardas, AudioTekne, Soundsmith Strain Gauge, and, now, Dynavector XV-1s cartridges and they all needed quantitative-based setup.  Maybe some people have golden ears and the experience to whip a cartridge into shape by ear, but I would have to see it to believe it.

That part about phase angle vs azimuth is interesting. What kind of readout do you get with Adjust+ ?

Azimuth is adjusted for minimum crosstalk between channels. It is pretty easy to adjust with a test record. You don't even need a meter or readout really. Just listen for output in the silent channel and leave it where it's minimal in both channels. As you're listening to music you can make minute adjustments, if you can hear it. If not, you might want to experiment a little anyway. You can teach yourself what the difference sounds like between close, and nailed.

All set-up parameters on a cartridge are interrelated. VTA, anti-skate and VTF will effect tracking, frequency response and phase angle. That's why everything has to be adjusted in concert. Cartridges aren't whipped into shape by ear, as a process you can just casually observe, especially with new carts. For example, if too little VTF is used, as is commonly done, it will effect VTA slightly and skewer results. More importantly, that will degrade sound quality more (usually) than a degree of azimuth misadjustment.

Phase angle at 1K is the same as amplitude response, in all but the least expensive carts. So, if you're using a 1K test signal for azimuth, you're really seeing or hearing a difference in frequency response between channels. Even at 10K phase nonlinearities are based on amplitude response, so I would think the same applies. More importantly, the implication with these devices is that results are perfect. In reality, they never are. Tracking angle error will effect phase differences between channels. Even with a 12" arm phase is only perfect at the 2 null points on the record. Anti-skate settings often confuse azimuth settings.

I'm not against using these devices. To the contrary, I think they they can be a big help and probably save time. I didn't know Soundsmith had a testing device. Ironically, it was Peter's suggestion that I needed a test record for azimuth that prompted my getting one. Maybe a mono record would work pretty good. It's not all that hard to do this by ear, maybe a little confusing while everything is being sorted out.

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=91636.0

neo

[THROWBACK]

Thanks, guys. I have tried the Adjust + and find it difficult to use. The bubble level is (very) hard repeatedly to locate precisely on the headshell, and it is so heavy that one cannot let it stay on the headshell as it lowers onto the record. The procedure is cumbersome: 1. leaving the arm on the armrest, set the bubble to level; 2)remove the level; 3) play the record and record the result; 4) put the level back onto the headshell; 5) change the azimuth by .5 degrees (the level is calibrated); 6) repeat for all settings; 7) let the software plot the curve; set the azimuth to the optimum position.
Problems: 1) hard to set level each time to precisely the same position; 2) friction between arm and armrest may coarsen the measurement; 3) takes mucho time.
I was hoping there is a better way.

[THROWBACK]

Addendum. Interesting that you like the Dynavector better than the Soundsmith straingauge. I have the SS as well and substituted a Dynavector XX2 for it for awhile because I felt the SS had lost some of its magic. After spending several hours tweaking it up, I happlily went back to the SS. It REALLY has to be well dialed in to sound its best. The magic is back.
Chuck

[orthobiz]

Is the Cartwright even out yet?

[neobop]

Is the Cartwright even out yet?

Yea. It looks a whole lot easier too, but it's $900.
Guess I'll be using the old tried and true,

http://www.sound-smith.com/cartright/index.html

neo

[orthobiz]

Anyone have an update on the Cartright? I know (I think) that Laura had seen it at a show a couple of years ago. Seems like the website for SoundSmith features it but no final price, no ability to order…

Paul

[neobop]

They must have updated their website.  Available soon - $250 to $300 for PC/I phone application, and $900 for hardware version.

http://www.sound-smith.com/cartright/index.html

neo

[orthobiz]

I don't believe they have. Betcha that page has been that way for months now. I mean, years!

Paul