#11
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Quote:
Looks like I'll have to give one of those a try. |
#12
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For anyone thats interested, here's a pdf file of the SmarTractor user manual.
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#13
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Thinking back, I remember Yip in Hong Kong wishing specification of the Spindle Diameter, and I was able to provide him that having a Dial Caliper on hand. I believe the MintLP Tractor is glass, not plastic, and I truly was sweating the installation on the Spindle because it was very "snug".
Figured one wrong move, twist, or forcing this literal press fit, and there goes a $110 tool in the trash. The MintLP also possessed extremely fine lines for the Arc, and the Null Grid. So minute, and fine, that I could not clearly see the Null Grid's fine details until I took a magnifying glass to examine. |
#14
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I considered the SmartTractor, the Feickert and the GeoDisc. There are others such as MintLP that are more TT specific and since I have a Rega now and will likely change to a VPI later this year I wanted to be able to use for different TTs in the future. While the SmartTractor may be superior to others it is just too costly. I ordered both the Feickert and the GeoDisc and will try them both to determine which is best for my use. I expect the Feickert will be the keeper.
__________________
Two Channel: McIntosh C2300 preamp, MC601 amps x2, MR88 tuner, MEN220; Esoteric K-03X; Aurender N100C 4TB; B&W 802D2 Diamonds, JL Audio F113V2 x 2 on Sound Anchor Sub Stands; VPI Classic Signature Piano Black, Ortofon Cadenza Black, VPI SDS, periphery ring, StillPoints center weight, Gingko Audio ClaraVu Dust Cover CT, KAB SpeedStrobe, Dr. Feickert Analogue Protractor; Sonos with W4S digital modification to W4S Remedy to Esoteric; W4S PS1 Linear Power unit for the 2x Remedy and Recovery w/ W4S PS1 Power Cord; Torus RM20; Wireworld Silver Series 7 Electra/Starlight/Eclipse cables and WW Platinum Power Cord for Amps and Platinum USB for Aurender; KLAUDIO RCM; Steve Blinn Designs extra wide three shelf rack; GIK Acoustics panels and bass traps, StillPoints Ultra Minis under all gear and Stillpoint Ultra SS under amps and speakers. Home Theater 7.2: McIntosh MX150, MC452, MC207; B&W 803D2 Diamonds, HTM2 center, CWM7.3 surrounds; JLAudio F112 x2 subs; Panasonic TC-P65ZT60 65" Studio Master Plasma; Oppo 205; Crown FM Two Tuner; Sonos with W4S Remedy; Apple TV; Furman Elite 20 amp PFi x2; WW and AQ Cables/Cords; Salamander Synergy Four Bay Cabinet Office 2ch with McIntosh vintage refurbished gear: McIntosh MC275V6 x2 tube amps; Klipsch Cornwall I vintage speakers (1982); AQ Dragonfly Red DAC/Jitterbug/cables; PS Audio Dectet Power Center; Mcintosh C28, MC2105, MR78 (with mod), MQ101, each with original walnut cabinet and panloc (1976), MCD7008 (1996), ML1C speakers (1976); Bang & Olufsen Beogram 4002 turntable (1976) with new SoundSmith SMMC20CL cartridge (2015); Salamander double rack |
#15
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"It is possible to use an eye-ball method but they are prone to difficulty and sometimes to frustration."
**** I eliminated most of the "eye-ball" error by using my DeWalt laser level to line things up, however, if I had a multi-thousand cart, I would spend the $$ for more precision. Steve Steve |
#16
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Quote:
Thanks Best Joe |
#17
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I just ordered the Geodisc as I'm tired of using those free printed ones from VE. They're good and all, but if you don't get the spindle holes just right, you're never going to get the alignment right. Not only that, those spindle holes can start to wear, causing slop once again.
I was also considering the Pro-Ject align-it with the arm that extends to the pivot, but 2 things stopped me... I'm not 100% sure if it's a universal tool for any TT, and I'm not 100% sure I'm ready to spend $150 on something I'm only going to use once every few years or more. I figured the Geodisc has been around for years and has offered great, repeatable results for people, so it's good enough for me, and the price is right. |
#18
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Honestly, I think you can get a good result by printing your own. Use and online calculator, make the pdf, email it to a print shop and pay $5. Ask them to print three or four, that way you can see if there is any variance. I've done this with great results.
BUT the paranoia did creep in once. And I had a Mint protractor made. One month later it showed up and I did my tests... I didn't change a thing, the card stock templates were perfect. |
#19
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Is there a thread or source on TT set up? I haven't done it since high school and need a primer. Seems one of those topics that might go on forever, so all I need is an overview to start.
Thanks in advance. |
#20
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Here's a good reference for turntable, tonearm, and cartridge setup. The Audio Beat - Analog 101, underwritten by VPI Industries Hope that you find it helpful, and if you have any questions just ask.
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