ToneArm/Cartridge Setup -- my current process

[cport]

STEP 00: Level TT
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- Flat un-modulated LP w/ball-bearing

STEP 0: Validate iRIAA is accurate
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- MLS with Hagtech iRIAA
- Channels match ?

STEP 1: Mount the cartridge in the head-shell
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- Use "good" mounting hardware (stainless)
- Mount the cartridge loosely in the head-shell.
- Snug one side ( allow cartridge to pivot )
- Avoid torquing tonearm bearing.

STEP 2: Attach leads to cartridge pins
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- Leave phono-cartridge cover in place
- Be careful - many cartridges are broken in this step
- Use tweezers or small needle-nose pliers
- Expand leads with toothpick if too small
- Avoid torquing tonearm bearing.

STEP 3: Set VTF (vertical tracking force).
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- Use MFR highest recommended value
- Use Shure to get to ballpark
- Finish with digital ( + Wally LP disk level tool)

STEP 4: Use geometry tool (Lofgren, baby)
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- Verify P_to_S distance for arm is 100% accurate [ <0.01mm all is lost if not done]
- 1st Dennessen
- 2nd Feickert
- 3rd (Final) Wally

STEP 5: SRA
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- Optional -- measure cartridge height and use Wally cartridge skid as starting point ( you are dismounting cartridge -- go back to STEP 1)
- Raise/lower rear of tonearm
- Use Dino-Lite digital microscope to measure SRA angle
- Aim for 91 degrees

STEP 6: Azimuth
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- Mirror -- thickness of 180g LP
- Fosgate Fozgometer
- O'scope -- Test LP's 1Khz at different points
- Feickert Adjust+

STEP 7: Anti-Skate
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- Flat un-modulated disc
- Wally AS tool

STEP 7: Tighten Screws
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- Tighten just enough to allow playing

STEP 8: Listen to music
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- Voice
- Bass
- Treble
- Stereo Separation
- Stereo Spread (Sound field)
- Imaging

STEP 8: Iterate over STEPS 3-8 until perfect
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STEP 9: Tighten Screws
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- Tighten with calibrated WIHA torque wrench (0.4 mn)

STEP 10: Wait for next Audio-club meeting where everybody tells you it is off/wrong
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- Get the handgun and shoot them in the dick

[Pelliott321]

Love it, your hammer is dead center