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Arm/cartridge weight measurement


I have a Thorens TD-110 with a Shure M97xE cartridge. While
this is a decent table, its strong point is not in
accurately measuring the weight of the stylus on the vinyl.
Recently, the weight became too light (extremely distorted
sound).

I adjusted it to be a bit heavier and it sounds better, but
not as good as it was a couple of months ago. Now I am
paranoid - what tools will I need to make sure the cartridge
is set up correctly? It was just installed a few months ago
by a local pro, but I would like to learn how to do this
myself.

Thanks,
Mark
pyite

Showing 2 responses by dougdeacon

dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
Totally agree with Sdcampbell about the SFG.

If you want to get into other cartridge setup parameters you'll need a decent cartridge alignment tool. The best generic, bang-for-the-buck one is at www.turntablebasics.com for $20. Aligning your cartridge a couple of times with this tool will be a real learning experience. Prepare to spend an hour or so the first time you try, and bring all your patience with you.

While its ultimate utility is limited, the HiFi News test LP is also very educational. Available from the same online sources as the SFG.
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
JAZZ
Try Brubeck's 'Time Out'. It's available on both a CD reissue and a fabulous Classic Records reissue on 200g vinyl. AcousticSounds.com and MusicDirect.com have them both. Extraordinary music-making on a fabulous Columbia 6 eye recording. It has a full range of frequencies from plucked string bass to cymbal harmonics and everything in between. I'm sure there are many others too.

CLASSICAL
Tons of choices. Nearly all of the JVC XRCD2 reissues of the RCA Living Stereo catalog are great, as are the corresponding LP reissues by Classic Records. Rimsky-Korsakov's 'Sheherezade' will test any system's dynamics, and the LP will destroy any CDP if your rig is up to it. There are many other excellent JVC/Classic Records pairs, but make sure the LP is available at a price you can stomach before buying the CD. Some of them are in short supply and they're priced accordingly.

ROCK
You'll have to ask someone who knows!

BTW, read all you can in the FAQ's at Vinyl Asylum. Jon Risch's "VTA once and for all!" is essential, but every article there is worth reading.
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