What Do You Use To Level Your Turntable

[Audiophilehi]

Originally Posted by tima

Well made machinst levels don't do that.

Thanks Tima...that makes sense.

[robd2]

Great thread, I've also been looking for a similar level. I have 3 maybe 4 cheaper levels and they all seem off. They read dead on, then if you rotate 180 it says out of level. Not right...

[The Trace]

Originally Posted by jameslrock

This level works quite well. I have seen it on audio sites for multiples more. Go to your hardware store for less than $5 bucks.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000LDETSU...bit_pcomp_sav0

Got mine on Amazon, EBay has them. I bought 3. Have 2 tables. The "T" shaped one is handy as it makes leveling faster.

[tima]

Originally Posted by Audiophilehi

Thanks Tima...that makes sense.

Yes. The levels made from plastic tend to vary too much in the flatness of their base.

The Starrett 130 is quite sensitive. I imagine other small machinist levels could also work well. The one I have came as part of the toolset with my Monaco turntable. The manufacturer's background is high-performance (Formula 1) racing where high precision machining is the norm.

To level my 'table I take four measurements, one each at 12,3,6 and 9'o'clock with the level placed North-South, then do the same again with the level turned ninety degrees. Then go through each again to check or reiterate as necessary. The threading on the 'table's feet is fine or extra fine (can't remember) and the smallest turn is read by the Starrett. Happily, once set everything stays put. I've tried the others mentioned in this thread, except for the phone app, and the Starrett is my choice.

Edit: The 130 is 3-3/8" in length. A longer model, say 6" or 8" will probably be a bit more accurate, but the price starts to climb and those sizes aren't really practical on a turntable.
http://www.starrett.com/metrology/product-detail/98-8 Talk to guys who set up pool tables about levels.

[robbiesd]

I have a friend who owns a machine shop and has many expensive machinist levels. I took my collection of my TT suitable levels over to his shop and set them on a machine table he knows is level. He even set a couple of his levels on the table to verify first. Out of perhaps 10-12 levels, all but one was inaccurate. The 8" Craftsman torpedo that's decades old was almost perfect. The app on my phone was as well almost perfect. These are what I use now when needed. The rest went back to the shop where they're good enough for framing but not TT's.