Best Alignment Protractor?

I've had a Dr. Feikert protractor for quite a few yeas now and like it very much.

I run two Lyra Atlas Lambda cartridges on Clearaudio 12" Universal arms. I have used the Dr Feickert and the Clearaudio [not the plastic template that ships with thier arms] in the past, but for the past two years or so I use the SMARTTractor with Lofgren B DIN alignment. The SMARTTractor is really easy to use and great for really seeing that the cantilever lines up straight. That has given me best results, both in terms of confidence the alignment is correct and in terms of sinic results.

The SMARTTractor is by far the most expensive of the three, but I got one at substantial discount from MCRU in the UK. In any case, it's well worth it.

Which protractor and alignment tool is best for you depends on your needs. If you use one cartridge and arm and aren’t looking to change or experiment a custom paper or plastic protractor will work fine. You won’t be able to measure everything but you can get close and fine tune the rest of the way.

When I was a dealer I was mounting lots of different tonearms and cartridges and needed a variable gauge. I used the Feikert (still do) because it’s pretty much bulletproof (assuming you pack it back up in the box when not in use) and has survived moving from station to station around the shop and travelling to customer’s homes and audio shows. I’m not suggesting the Feikert is the best. But it’s worked well for me.

I’m not suggesting the Feikert is the best. But it’s worked well for me.

I agree but for the Feickert and Dennesen to work you have to be able to accurately locate the exact centre of the horizontal tonearm bearing and this is often not possible. Some arms now have a locating dimple for that purpose.

If you can't find the centre of the horizontal pivot bearing the traditional 2 point protractor will be far more accurate.

I have both the Feickert and Dennison and I have gone back to 2 point protractor with a pin prick in the card to locate the stylus. It is more fiddly but more accurate than the F&D, assuming the 2 point protractor is correctly manufactured to spec.

The 2 point protractor I use has very fine lines compared to many others - this too is important for accuracy.