Calling All (Any) Cartridge Alignment Experts in Western North Carolina


...or thereabouts. I just went all in on a new analog set-up, a Luxman EQ-500 phono preamp and a Kiseki Purple Heart to mount on my Technics 1200G table. The Purple Heart, while almost universally praised, is said to be pretty finicky to set up. I've mounted and set up quite a few cartridges over the years, but I am not sure I trust my aging eyes or unsteady hand to do the PH justice. Thus my inquiry.

If you know of an alignment guru in this region--which could be expanded to include Atlanta, Charlotte, Raleigh, and Knoxville--let me know. I would greatly appreciate any good leads.
128x128waltersalas

Showing 3 responses by waltersalas

Yes, though I've done a reasonably good job of setting up a variety of cartridges over the years, with a cartridge of this caliber, I'd really like to find a pro (with an oscilloscope if possible) to get as close to perfect as can be. Thus, my inquiry.

Thanks for the responses so far.
Many thanks for all of the responses. It appears the best bet is to take a valium, chase everybody out of the house, say a prayer, and devote an afternoon to setting it up myself. I have a Clearaudio protractor that served me pretty well setting my current cartridge, but I will look into the Mint LP protractor and a cheap microscope (hat tip to you, nrenter, for this suggestion) to help me ensure I've got it lined up correctly. Much obliged to everyone.
Circling back to report my experiences with setting up my new cartridge. I did order the Mint LP protractor and a USB microscope, per nrenter's suggestion. But perhaps the key ingredient was the assistance of my wife, who held the microscope at just the right angles for me to view the stylus from different angles to ensure it was sitting dead on the correct points. Of course, there was some trial and error with the tiny incremental adjustments of the cartridge in the headshell, but it took less than two hours to get it pretty well perfect according to the settings on the Mint LP, and it sounds great!

Thanks for the input of everyone who participated. The combination of the Mint LP protractor, the USB microscope, and my spouse's steady and patient hand turned out to be a winner.