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Cartridge installation question

184.90.51.10
Posted on February 25, 2017 at 16:49:16
JoshT
Audiophile

Posts: 6622
Location: Eastern Massachusetts
Joined: July 4, 2000
 So I'm attempting to install a cartridge myself for the first time ever.

One thing I saw on a list of tools I should have is a set of small "non magnetic" screwdrivers. I went to Radio Shack and bought a little kit with a handle, 21 different screw head bits, and an extender. The package says "fully demagnetized". But now I am confused because the bit pieces all attach to a magnet (I know this because the extender holds the bits in place by magnetism).

So, umm, I know I am probably an idiot, but is "non magnetic" synonymous with "demagnetized"? And, more importantly, do I need (1) bits that are made out of a metal that is not attracted to magnets or (2) just bits that are not themselves magnets (i.e. that are not magnetized to hold the screws in place)?

I had assumed I needed the former, but now I am hoping that so long as the bits themselves are not magnets I am OK.

The cart is a MM.
___
"If you are the owner of a new stereophonic system, this record will play with even more brilliant true-to-life fidelity. In short, you can purchase this record with no fear of its becoming obsolete in the future."

 

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RE: Cartridge installation question, posted on February 25, 2017 at 17:17:48
flood2
Audiophile

Posts: 2558
Joined: January 11, 2011
 I wouldn't worry too much - just be VERY careful when screwing the cartridge into the headshell!! Keep the screwdriver extender away from the stylus area. In simple terms, Demagnetized means that the bit is not itself a magnet (i.e its magnetic properties are neutralised) as in IT won't attract magnetic objects to it. The extender IS magnetic and the material of the bit is such that it is attracted to the extender.

I don't know if you have a removable headshell or if it is integrated into the arm - your choice of screw head on "Top" or bottom will be decided by this.

What I suggest is to remove the stylus from the body when you mount it in the headshell. Lightly tighten the screws so that you can still wiggle and move the cartridge in the headshell. Put some Blu-Tac on each corner of the cartridge mounting block to prevent it sliding around out of control.
I presume you have an alignment protractor to help you set up? If not, I recommend you use one. The Blu-Tac helps you limit the movement of the cartridge as you refine the alignment.
When you are satisfied, then tighten the screws. The magnets in an MM are comparitively weak that you won't have any real danger. MCs are another story!!
Regards Anthony

"Beauty is Truth, Truth Beauty.." Keats

 

RE: Cartridge installation question, posted on February 25, 2017 at 17:20:57
BCR
Audiophile

Posts: 2446
Location: connecticut
Joined: April 7, 2009
 This might help.

 

RE: Cartridge installation question, posted on February 25, 2017 at 17:23:40
flood2
Audiophile

Posts: 2558
Joined: January 11, 2011
 I forgot to mention to balance the arm WITH the Blu-Tac in place if you are going to use a protractor.
Regards Anthony

"Beauty is Truth, Truth Beauty.." Keats

 

RE: Cartridge installation question, posted on February 25, 2017 at 18:55:19
JoshT
Audiophile

Posts: 6622
Location: Eastern Massachusetts
Joined: July 4, 2000
 Thanks Anthony!

The table is a Technics SL 1301 with a standard removable Technics headshell. The cart is a vintage AT13ea and does not have treaded screw holes, so the screw heads will be at the bottom with the little nuts above the headshell.

I will soon have a Technics cartridge alignment tool, which Technics recommends using in the operating guide. I thought I might also print a protractor off of Vinyl Engine to double check the alignment after first using that tool.

Good idea to remove the stylus assembly. I did try that but it's on very firmly, so I backed off. I hope I can do it without causing any harm.

One follow up question - What do you mean by the "cartridge mounting block". I don't have anything to put between the top of the cartridge and the bottom of the headshell. Does the blue tac just go between the two, and then stay put after finally tightening the screws? Or am I missing a piece?

Thanks again!
___
"If you are the owner of a new stereophonic system, this record will play with even more brilliant true-to-life fidelity. In short, you can purchase this record with no fear of its becoming obsolete in the future."

 

Thanks!, posted on February 25, 2017 at 19:02:38
JoshT
Audiophile

Posts: 6622
Location: Eastern Massachusetts
Joined: July 4, 2000
 I've watched a few of the videos, but this one is quite good.
___
"If you are the owner of a new stereophonic system, this record will play with even more brilliant true-to-life fidelity. In short, you can purchase this record with no fear of its becoming obsolete in the future."

 

A bit confused . . ., posted on February 25, 2017 at 19:05:37
JoshT
Audiophile

Posts: 6622
Location: Eastern Massachusetts
Joined: July 4, 2000
 I understand that the blu-tac adds mass so if I use it I should balance the arm after putting it between the cart and headshell, but why does the use of a protractor change that either way? Thanks again for your patience!

Oh, and as stated below, the AT13ea does not appear to use a separate mounting bracket that goes between it and the headshell.
___
"If you are the owner of a new stereophonic system, this record will play with even more brilliant true-to-life fidelity. In short, you can purchase this record with no fear of its becoming obsolete in the future."

 

RE: Cartridge installation question, posted on February 25, 2017 at 19:16:13
flood2
Audiophile

Posts: 2558
Joined: January 11, 2011



Ah I see! I am a Technics SL1200 user so can help you with the arm alignment.

First off... the Blu-Tac - I just mean to use them like "chocks" to stop the cartridge slopping around. So with the screws not fully tightened and the cartridge still moveable, just put a currant sized blob against the corner of the cartridge like this.

With the L-gauge, it relies on the arm being "correctly" positioned and assembled. If it has ever been removed, disassembled, or the bearing removed, the reference positions will have been lost.
I highly recommend using a combination of an arc protractor and a 2-point protractor to verify. The arc protractor only works correctly if the pivot-spindle distance EXACTLY matches the spec. Any error and the arc won't be traced for the entirety of the arc. It will get you close but not spot on.

To print an arc protractor. Select an OUTER radius of 140.63mm. Then you select Stevenson alignment with the inner radius= 58.8 and the Pivot-Spindle should be 215mm (assuming the spec for the SL1301 is identical to the SL1200). You should end up with null points at 58.8 and ~113.5mm. This gives you the so-called Technics alignment. It will give you a good all purpose alignment for 7", 10" and 12" records. If you only play LPs then it isn't the best option. However, start off with this and see how you like the sound!
Good luck :)

Regards Anthony

"Beauty is Truth, Truth Beauty.." Keats

 

Thanks!, posted on February 25, 2017 at 19:33:20
JoshT
Audiophile

Posts: 6622
Location: Eastern Massachusetts
Joined: July 4, 2000
 Will report back in a few days.
___
"If you are the owner of a new stereophonic system, this record will play with even more brilliant true-to-life fidelity. In short, you can purchase this record with no fear of its becoming obsolete in the future."

 

RE: A bit confused . . ., posted on February 25, 2017 at 23:10:15
flood2
Audiophile

Posts: 2558
Joined: January 11, 2011
 Sorry, that was simply just a reminder to make sure you remember to do it! I sometimes forget myself - you get caught up with what you are doing and then slap the thing in the arm forgetting that you changed the mass!

Regards Anthony

"Beauty is Truth, Truth Beauty.." Keats

 

RE: Cartridge installation question, posted on February 26, 2017 at 01:46:29
John Elison
Audiophile

Posts: 23904
Location: Central Kentucky
Joined: December 20, 2000
Contributor
  Since: January 29, 2004
 You might need something like this:

LP First Aid Kit

Shure Cartridge Mounting Hardwware

Good luck,
John Elison

 

RE: Cartridge installation question, posted on February 26, 2017 at 06:56:56
bcowen
Audiophile

Posts: 1076
Location: North Carolina
Joined: December 19, 2015
 The magnets in an MM are comparitively weak that you won't have any real danger. MCs are another story!!

I learned this the hard way many moons ago when I installed my first MC with the same screwdriver I had used to install many MM's without issue. I bought an aluminum shank screwdriver along with the replacement cartridge. :)

 

Thanks John . . ., posted on February 26, 2017 at 21:07:16
JoshT
Audiophile

Posts: 6622
Location: Eastern Massachusetts
Joined: July 4, 2000
 I've ordered each of those pieces separately (and some came with the table from the seller), but those are great prices for the set.

I have a number of stylus brushes already.
___
"If you are the owner of a new stereophonic system, this record will play with even more brilliant true-to-life fidelity. In short, you can purchase this record with no fear of its becoming obsolete in the future."

 

RE: Thanks John . . ., posted on February 26, 2017 at 21:24:19
John Elison
Audiophile

Posts: 23904
Location: Central Kentucky
Joined: December 20, 2000
Contributor
  Since: January 29, 2004
 Okay! You're in good shape if you already have that sort of stuff.

As one of the others already mentioned, you don't need to worry about using a magnetic screwdriver with a moving magnet cartridge. Moving coil cartridges, on the other hand, contain powerful magnets so you do not want to use a magnetic screwdriver if you ever switch to a moving coil cartridge.

Good luck,
John Elison

 

RE: Cartridge installation question, posted on February 26, 2017 at 23:52:11
flood2
Audiophile

Posts: 2558
Joined: January 11, 2011
 I should have added "ask me how I know..." I did exactly the same thing as you with a Denon DL110 which my father bought as a consolation for only being able to afford a Dual 505mk3 - dad didn't have much money and our Philips 212 (with a Stanton 681EE) was on the fritz. I begged him to look at a Planar3 which in the 80s was the deck of choice, but he said that the Dual came with a cartridge.
Being young at the time (and very ignorant!) I just took a screwdriver up to the underside to tighten the screws and my heart jumped up to my throat as the screwdriver slammed into the plaque just a hair away from the cantilever!! Naturally, I didn't bother telling dad...no sense in worrying him about nothing....
Regards Anthony

"Beauty is Truth, Truth Beauty.." Keats

 

RE: Cartridge installation question, posted on February 27, 2017 at 15:32:17
bcowen
Audiophile

Posts: 1076
Location: North Carolina
Joined: December 19, 2015
 You got lucky! I guess on the bright side for me the lump in my throat turned out to be from trashing a $150 cartridge instead of cancer. :)

 

Thanks again Gents! Posted pictures of the table set up and spinning just now. nt, posted on February 27, 2017 at 18:45:21
JoshT
Audiophile

Posts: 6622
Location: Eastern Massachusetts
Joined: July 4, 2000
 .
___
"If you are the owner of a new stereophonic system, this record will play with even more brilliant true-to-life fidelity. In short, you can purchase this record with no fear of its becoming obsolete in the future."

 

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