Cartridge Setup w/Geodisc by MoFi


Upgrading to a Benz Glider, which I consider to be a significant dollar investment; so, I want setup to be spot on. I only have a Geodisc by Mobile Fidelity. Will it give me a proper setup or do I need the services of a professional?

Thanks in advance.
rockyboy

Showing 2 responses by markd51

Rockyboy,
Dependent upon whether you decided to try the printable Tractor was willing to send you, maybe one way to enhance the Geodisc, would be taping a thread to the origin of sight line, stretching the thread to the center of Arm Pivot, then sighting down upon the Geodisc, lining all up correctly, like some do with the Turntable Basics Mirror Protractor.

I have all three on hand the Geodisc, the Turntable Basics Mirror ($20 plus shipping), and the MintLP.
All are Baerwald Null Geometry.

I felt the Geodisc was good, but did feel the TB Tractor made a slight improvement. The MintLP was a whole nother level better than both, but I don't think you'll find "bad sound" per se using the lesser Tractors, but just some good improvement in sound when using a Tractor with much better resolution like the MintLP.

Perhaps too, use a decent Jeweler's Loupe, or Magnifier with the Geodisc, to better insure you're precisely aligning the Cantilever with Null Grid, rather than just using the naked eye to sight either the Body, or Cantilever. It should help with better Cantilever Alignment accuracy. Mark
Rocky, Remember this....
The Glider, like many other MC Cartridges, does not come with any type of Stylus Guard. That Cantilever-Stylus sticks out like a sore thumb, and invites just one little mistake. I'm not trying to scare you. Mounting a Cartridge is an endeavor that basically allows for zero mistakes. When mounting the Cartridge, have everything ready right in front of you.

I commonly first mount the Tonearm Wires to rear of Cartridge with the Carridge held between fingers. Prior to this, first know exactly what Cartridge Mounting Screws (proper length that is) are going to be needed from the Glider's Box-Case to properly Mount the Cartridge.

One the Glider, they go directly into the top of Cartridge body. There's no provision on the Glider, with overly long screws that will go through a Nut, and be seen on the Cartridge's sides. This means the Mounting Screws cannot be too long, or too short. Find this out first, what Screws to use before final mount-up of Cartridge. Hav the Table in a well lit area, it does not have to be in the system hooked up for prliminary set-up. A Kitchen Table may work fine for you.

The Cartridge Pins should be color coded. A simple matter knowing what wires goes where, but slipping the Clips onto the Cartridge Pins needs careful coaxing. All the while keeping in mind you have a bare Cantilever sticking out in the breeze.

Once you get the Cartridge mounted to Arm, try carefully "neating up" the Headshell Wires, keep the Mounting Screws very lightly snug.

You'll need to firstly start a good rough adjustment of VTF. You don't want that Cartridge coming down apon the Geodisc with 10 grams of force. First float the Arm to neutral, dial in maybe 1-1/2 grams, then, once you clearly know you don't have excessive weight placed upon Stylus-Cantilever, then begin onto the Cartridge Alignment. Keep those hands away from that Stylus, don't use any weird Screwdrivers to mount, use the Screwdriver, and Screws that comes with the Cartridge.

There's probably some very small Plastic Washers with the Benz Screws, Use these on the Screw, at the Screw Head, to insure no scratching oocurs to Headshell Top Face.

Once Alignment has been dialed in, then go onto fine re-adjustment of VTF. Select a middle range at first. Go from there. Same with Anti-Skate. Hope this helps.
Mark