Cartridge alignment - Goldmund T5 tangential arm ?

Van den Hul, Ortofon and Wally tractor all make mirrored alignment tools with center line indicated.

For tangential arms like yours, overhang is achieved when the stylus is set exactly on "that" line all the way across the record.

The mirror surfaces will also be helpful in judging your cartridge azimuth and VTA.

Albert, when you said:

"For tangential arms like yours, overhang is achieved when the stylus is set exactly on "that" line all the way across the record."

I presume it was with the understanding that you meant no overhang.

In my three different tangential arm experiences, the cartridge was mounted on the arm so that the stylus lined up with the center of the platter spindle. It would not make any geometric sense for the stylus to overhang the spindle. Doing so would create tracking error all the way across the record! Overhang only applies to offset pivoting arms so they can achieve two points of tangency across the record instead of one -- a whole different kettle of geometric fish, unless I've been missing something for the last 45 years?

Go to this page at the Vinyl Engine:

http://www.vinylengine.com/library.php?make=Goldmund

Click on the T-5 arm manual, and then download the PDF file for the T-5 instruction manual. On page 8 it makes it very clear that the stylus must pass directly over the center of the spindle.

PS: The T-5 is a PITA to keep in adjustment and from what I hear, not that great sonically (unlike the Reference T-3.) I bought an SME V with my Studietto, and never looked back.
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I used the term overhang to describe the distance between pivot point and center of the spindle (I.E.) overhang adjustment.

If the original poster purchases one of the three mirrored alignment tools I suggested and puts the stylus tip on "that" center line, they will indeed have perfect overhang adjustment.

As mentioned already, VTA and azimuth are another issue and there are countless threads here at Audiogon describing that procedure.

OK Albert. We're talking about two different things. You are talking about how to ADJUST the overhang, and I'm talking about the AMOUNT of overhang which, in the case of tangential arms, is zero.

I'm not sure exactly what dbamac meant saying "I'd rather err on the side of caution" (except in handling the cartridge ;--), but I'm sure the T-5 instruction manual I referenced will clear up any questions.
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OK Albert. We're talking about two different things. You are talking about how to ADJUST the overhang, and I'm talking about the AMOUNT of overhang which, in the case of tangential arms, is zero.

I've been using tangential arms for over 30 years. When he ask

does anybody know if there is an alignment tool, or any other tool, that may assist me in installing a new cartridge

I responded with suggestions for tools that would assist in alignment.

So you did.

By the way Nsgarch, your system is looking good. Hope your finding the changes to your liking. I'm still impressed that you did the shots of your speakers so well :^).

Thanks Albert, as you know, I was once a young photog. Now I'm neither young nor a photog. In fact, I'm considering letting audio go as well -- reluctantly -- but I have seen too many beautiful systems fall into disuse and disrepair by their aging (or suddenly deceased) audiophile owners and then be disposed or even destroyed by unsophisticated or disinterested friends and heirs.

"Great art is also knowing when to stop . . . . ."
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Man, it would be a shame to tear that system down. There is great value in music and the enjoyment it brings to one's life.

None of us know how long we have. It’s possible that the joy this hobby brings could extend your life, just like pets, family and love can do.

If you have nothing left to live for, your life is over.

We should hang on to the threads of passion from our youth, if only to remember why life is so important.

I know of an issue with the T5 raising early on an LP. After 3-5 minutes in it simply lifts of the records surface. As if the lift motor is being triggered early. I thought the micro switched were activated when the tonearm made a higher rate than normal sweep when the LP side had finished, and the grooves widened for the end of the LP. Any advice anyone???

aj - you could check the vinyl asylum link I posted above -- it seems like a pretty good instruction manual although I haven't read the whole thing ;--)
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