Cartridge Mounting and Calibration Process
We offer two types of cartridge mounting a calibration. Basic is geared towards Technics turntables but the 12 Step can be applied to all turntables.
We estimate the basic process gets the system performing to the 80% mark, while the 12 Step reaches near full potential.
Basic Mounting and Instructions:
- Mount the cartridge on the head shell and connect leads
- Adjust the overhang using Technics overhang gauge
- Adjust the azimuth optically using our in-house SL1200.
- Adjust zenith using the Technics gauge
- Test for signal
- Provide instructions for setting the arm height, anti-skate and tracking force when you unpack it. Note the cartridge is not calibrated to your actual turntable but Technics tolerances are so high that good results can be obtained.
12 Step Premium Installation
- Fully unpack, assemble and calibrate on your turntable.
- Mount and calibrate cartridge taking into account:
- Head shell selection for optimal compliance
- Mat thickness
- Calibration method including Bearwald, Stevenson or Loefgren most suited for your record collection.
- Inspect and photograph stylus using our high power microscope and provide pictures
Steps:
- Level Turntable
- Test 33, 45 and 78 RPM to ensure within spec
- Set OVERHANG using Feickert protractor and gauge
- Set exact TRACKING FORCE with digital gauge
- Set VTA with gauge block or digital microscope. Set lifter height.
- Set ZENITH using Feickert protractor or WallyTractor
- Test for channel orientation L/R using test record
- Test for proper phasing using test record
- Set Anti-Skate
- Set Azimuth using Fozgometer or UPL Analyzer
- Confirm TRACKABILITY with test record torture tracks. Provide photo of scope readout.
- Measure and record compliance and adjust head shell mass as needed.
Turntable will ship with head shell and counter weight removed. We will provide a digital scale to set tracking force along with instructions. Total setup time should be no more than 15 minutes on arrival.
We will also provide a printout detailed results, recommended specs and pictures
CALIBRATION TEST RIG
SOME OF THE TOOLS USED
SETTING THE MACHINE LEVEL
CONFIRMING SPEEDS
SETTING THE APPROPRIATE RECORD HEIGHT BEFORE VTA
CALCULATING TOTAL SYSTEM WEIGHT
FORMULA FOR CALCULATING COMPLIANCE
INSPECTING AND DOCUMENTING CARTRIDGE HEALTH
SETTING THE OVERHANG WITH FEICKERT
SETTING THE TRACKING FORCE
SETTING THE VTA (VISUAL VERSION)
MEASURING STYLUS RAKE ANGLE
ADJUSTING THE ZENITH
TESTING AZIMUTH WITHT FOZGOMETER
UPL ANALYZER USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH FOZGOMETER TO MAXIMIZE STEREO SEPARATION
TESTING TRACKING ABILITY
TEST RIG IN ACTION
DOCUMENTATION FOR CLIENT
CRITICAL LISTENING FOR L/R, PHASING AND QUALITY
SECURING THE HEAD SHELL FOR SHIPPING
CARFULL PACKING AND INSTRUCTIONS
CARFULL PACKING AND INSTRUCTIONS