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In Reply to: RE: Alignment, HiFi Test Record, Mystery Brand Turntable, and Frustration... posted by corgraham on June 25, 2009 at 22:12:36
It is possible to align your cartridge to either of the two null-points with your cartridge in almost any position in the headshell. However, there is only one position in the headshell that will provide alignment to both null-points simultaneously.
I believe the easiest alignment protractor to use is an arc protractor, but you need to know the pivot-to-spindle mounting distance of your tonearm in order to print the correct arc for your specific tonearm. If you can accurately measure your pivot-to-spindle mounting distance, then you can download Conrad Hoffman's arc protractor generator and print your own protractor. The advantage of the arc is that it indicates exactly where in the headshell your cartridge must be placed in order to precisely follow the arc across the record playing surface.
If you want to use a standard two-point protractor, it requires an iterative process to arrive at the proper alignment. Brian Kearns has written an excellent set of instructions for using this type of protractor. If you follow Brian's instructions, there will be only one position for your cartridge in the headshell that will yield proper alignment.
I believe the least accurate type of protractor to use is what you call a linear offset protractor. The reason I don't like this type of protractor is because it is rarely possible to point the site line accurately. The slightest deviation of the site line will cause gross errors in the null-point alignment. On the other hand, if the linear offset protractor also has two alignment grids, then you can use Brian's instructions to iterate the correct alignment.
As far as sibilance is concerned, it might not be caused by cartridge misalignment. It might be a worn stylus or a loose stylus assembly or excessive play in the tonearm bearings, etc. If you bought a used turntable with an old cartridge, you probably should replace the cartridge or at least replace the stylus assembly.
Good luck,
John Elison
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