Very Interesting Post!

I guess the term "Guru" is no substitute for the term "Mathematician" when it comes to tonearm alignment geometry.

First, let's take a look at Loefgren's "A" alignment, better known as Baerwald's alignment even though Loefgren developed it a few of years ahead of Baerwald. The theory behind this alignment is to minimize the maximum distortion points of the red curve, also known as the weighted tracking error curve. This curve is "weighted" in order to compensate for additional tracking error distortion caused by smaller groove radii as the stylus moves inward toward the center of the record.

Now, if you look at your WallyTractor, you'll see that the Loefgren "B" alignment requires increasing overhang very slightly---about 0.5-mm. Doing this moves the null-points closer together and reduces distortion in-between the null-points at the expense of somewhat greater distortion on the inner and outer grooves. The theory behind this alignment is to reduce tracking error distortion for a longer period of time in the middle of the record at the expense of increasing distortion slightly for a shorter period at the beginning and end of the record.

Finally, when you look at Allen's protractor you'll see that the alignment lines are on the opposite side compared to the Loefgren lines on the WallyTractor. Consequently, Allen's protractor spreads the alignment null-points farther apart thereby increasing distortion substantially during a longer period of playing time. Here is what Allen's alignment looks like.

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Follow Ups Full Thread

Topic - Pinging Allen Wright - your "Cartridge Alignment Guide"? ... - andyr 05:23:50 09/30/07 (7)

Allen's alignement points are 57.8mm and 129mm - Mark Kelly 15:55:16 09/30/07 (2)

RE: Allen's alignement points are 57.8mm and 129mm - John Elison 21:15:24 09/30/07 (0)

Thanks, Mark. :-)) nt - andyr 16:16:51 09/30/07 (0)

Very Interesting Post! - John Elison 11:51:45 09/30/07 (1)

Thanks, John ... - andyr 14:30:55 09/30/07 (0)

Baerwald Nulls - jsusky 11:36:06 09/30/07 (1)

RE: Baerwald Nulls - John Elison 12:13:33 09/30/07 (0)

Follow Ups

Very Interesting Post! - John Elison 11:51:45 09/30/07 (1)

Thanks, John ... - andyr 14:30:55 09/30/07 (0)

Very Interesting Post!

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