Cartridge/tonearm alignment tool

thsmith
thsmith Posts: 6,082
edited February 2011 in 2 Channel Audio
Currently looking at the Feickert Universal Protractor

http://www.musicdirect.com/product/73506

Any other I need on my short list ?

TIA,

Tracy
Speakers: SDA-1C (most all the goodies)
Preamp: Joule Electra LA-150 MKII SE
Amp: Wright WPA 50-50 EAT KT88s
Analog: Marantz TT-15S1 MBS Glider SL| Wright WPP100C Amperex BB 6er5 and 7316 & WPM-100 SUT
Digital: Mac mini 2.3GHz dual-core i5 8g RAM 1.5 TB HDD Music Server Amarra (memory play) - USB - W4S DAC 2
Cables: Mits S3 IC and Spk cables| PS Audio PCs
Post edited by thsmith on
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Comments

  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited January 2011
    How about one of these?

    http://www.vinylengine.com/cartridge-alignment-protractors.shtml
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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  • thsmith
    thsmith Posts: 6,082
    edited January 2011
    I have used these in the past. They are OK just looking for something more percise.
    Speakers: SDA-1C (most all the goodies)
    Preamp: Joule Electra LA-150 MKII SE
    Amp: Wright WPA 50-50 EAT KT88s
    Analog: Marantz TT-15S1 MBS Glider SL| Wright WPP100C Amperex BB 6er5 and 7316 & WPM-100 SUT
    Digital: Mac mini 2.3GHz dual-core i5 8g RAM 1.5 TB HDD Music Server Amarra (memory play) - USB - W4S DAC 2
    Cables: Mits S3 IC and Spk cables| PS Audio PCs
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  • SCompRacer
    SCompRacer Posts: 8,500
    edited January 2011
    feickert.jpg

    I have the first generation Feickert and found it helpful when I was experimenting with numerous different tables I never had a factory protractor for, or having to mark and drill an armboard. If your table choice is fixed, maybe go the Mint LP Best Tractor route. Like everything audio, some folks claim the Mint does a better job than the Feickert, and it costs less.

    If you haven't already, check out the discussions at Audiogon.
    Salk SoundScape 8's * Audio Research Reference 3 * Bottlehead Eros Phono * Park's Audio Budgie SUT * Krell KSA-250 * Harmonic Technology Pro 9+ * Signature Series Sonore Music Server w/Deux PS * Roon * Gustard R26 DAC / Singxer SU-6 DDC * Heavy Plinth Lenco L75 Idler Drive * AA MG-1 Linear Air Bearing Arm * AT33PTG/II & Denon 103R * Richard Gray 600S * NHT B-12d subs * GIK Acoustic Treatments * Sennheiser HD650 *
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  • thsmith
    thsmith Posts: 6,082
    edited January 2011
    Thanks and I had read up on it. Great concept but I am not sure this is my last TT.

    But for the price it would be a wash after 2nd TT.

    Hummm???
    Speakers: SDA-1C (most all the goodies)
    Preamp: Joule Electra LA-150 MKII SE
    Amp: Wright WPA 50-50 EAT KT88s
    Analog: Marantz TT-15S1 MBS Glider SL| Wright WPP100C Amperex BB 6er5 and 7316 & WPM-100 SUT
    Digital: Mac mini 2.3GHz dual-core i5 8g RAM 1.5 TB HDD Music Server Amarra (memory play) - USB - W4S DAC 2
    Cables: Mits S3 IC and Spk cables| PS Audio PCs
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  • SCompRacer
    SCompRacer Posts: 8,500
    edited January 2011
    thsmith wrote: »
    Great concept but I am not sure this is my last TT.

    I hear you! With me, upgrading vinyl was like making love in the sand; I didn't want to stop, but I had to.:biggrin:

    I really like the Feickert and it does allow for precision setup. I like and owned a few tables with articulated armboards. While experimenting with different tonearms, setting pivot-to-spindle distances was a snap. The newer version adds the Stevenson curve. Gotta love multiple setup options in this hobby!
    Salk SoundScape 8's * Audio Research Reference 3 * Bottlehead Eros Phono * Park's Audio Budgie SUT * Krell KSA-250 * Harmonic Technology Pro 9+ * Signature Series Sonore Music Server w/Deux PS * Roon * Gustard R26 DAC / Singxer SU-6 DDC * Heavy Plinth Lenco L75 Idler Drive * AA MG-1 Linear Air Bearing Arm * AT33PTG/II & Denon 103R * Richard Gray 600S * NHT B-12d subs * GIK Acoustic Treatments * Sennheiser HD650 *
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  • dkg999
    dkg999 Posts: 5,647
    edited January 2011
    I've found that if you take your time the Mofi Geo-Disc will do a good job at a pretty reasonable cost.
    DKG999
    HT System: LSi9, LSiCx2, LSiFX, LSi7, SVS 20-39 PC+, B&K 507.s2 AVR, B&K Ref 125.2, Tripplite LCR-2400, Cambridge 650BD, Signal Cable PC/SC, BJC IC, Samsung 55" LED

    Music System: Magnepan 1.6QR, SVS SB12+, ARC pre, Parasound HCA1500 vertically bi-amped, Jolida CDP, Pro-Ject RM5.1SE TT, Pro-Ject TubeBox SE phono pre, SBT, PS Audio DLIII DAC
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  • doctor r
    doctor r Posts: 837
    edited January 2011
    I have used a friends Feickert and compared it to the alignment with my Mint protractor. The Feickert did a very nice job, but I feel the Mint's precision was better. There was a slight difference in the final positioning. The Mint positioning allowed my cartridge to sound better to my ears. I will purchase a Mint for any future upgrade that I do.
    integrated w/DAC module Gryphon Diablo 300
    server Wolf Alpha 3SX
    phono pre Dynamic Sounds Associates Phono II
    turntable/tonearms Origin Live Sovereign Mk3 dual arm, Origin Live Enterprise Mk4, Origin Live Illustrious Mk3c
    cartridges Miyajima Madake, Ortofon Windfeld Ti, Ortofon
    speakers Rockport Mira II
    cables Synergistic Research Cables, Gryphon VPI XLR, Sablon 2020 USB
    rack Adona Eris 6dw
    ultrasonic cleaner Degritter
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  • thsmith
    thsmith Posts: 6,082
    edited January 2011
    After sleeping on it I decided to go with the mint.

    Thanks for the feedback and help.
    Speakers: SDA-1C (most all the goodies)
    Preamp: Joule Electra LA-150 MKII SE
    Amp: Wright WPA 50-50 EAT KT88s
    Analog: Marantz TT-15S1 MBS Glider SL| Wright WPP100C Amperex BB 6er5 and 7316 & WPM-100 SUT
    Digital: Mac mini 2.3GHz dual-core i5 8g RAM 1.5 TB HDD Music Server Amarra (memory play) - USB - W4S DAC 2
    Cables: Mits S3 IC and Spk cables| PS Audio PCs
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  • hearingimpared
    hearingimpared Posts: 21,137
    edited January 2011
    I too coveted the Feickert Universal Protractor as well as the Mint, still do. Dougie's right about the Geodisc.

    Right now because of the tonearm I use I really don't need any of them because the SME V comes with a fool proof and easy to use jig for alignment.
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  • Fongolio
    Fongolio Posts: 3,516
    edited January 2011
    I too am a fan of the Geo disk but I'd love a Feikert or a Clearaudio.
    SDA-1C (full mods)
    Carver TFM-55
    NAD 1130 Pre-amp
    Rega Planar 3 TT/Shelter 501 MkII
    The Clamp
    Revox A77 Mk IV Dolby reel to reel
    Thorens TD160/Mission 774 arm/Stanton 881S Shibata
    Nakamichi CR7 Cassette Deck
    Rotel RCD-855 with modified tube output stage
    Cambridge Audio DACmagic Plus
    ADC Soundshaper 3 EQ
    Ben's IC's
    Nitty Gritty 1.5FI RCM
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  • george daniel
    george daniel Posts: 12,096
    edited January 2011
    I finally broke down and got the Mint,, the instructions are entertaining as well.
    JC approves....he told me so. (F-1 nut)
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  • TSWisla
    TSWisla Posts: 446
    edited January 2011
    So does the GeoDisc align using the cart body or stylus?
    Zu Soul Supreme
    Coincident Frankenstein mkIII
    Esoteric K-07
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  • dcmeigs
    dcmeigs Posts: 708
    edited February 2011
    TSWisla wrote: »
    So does the GeoDisc align using the cart body or stylus?

    The body and by sight.

    I find it helpful to tape a piece of Pentel pencil lead to the side of the cart so that I can get a better visual on the cartridge angle over the alignment hashes.
    The world is full of answers, some are right and some are wrong. - Neil Young
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