Alexc, I am also in sdcampbell's camp. We, at one time, tested the accuracy of the Shure vs: the Winds. The Shure was SPOT ON!
And once again, if you really intend to acheive accuracy based on the numbers, either of the aforementioned tools will work well.
Although, the final sound quality will be fine tuned by making very slight adjustments in tracking weight (within the manufacturers tracking range) at which point these tools will only become secondary and their measurements somewhat irrelevant.
I personally have found that the most significant changes in sound quality are achieved using the VTA. This is assuming that cartridge alignment(tangency)and anti-skate(if you use it)adjustments are correct. But, do keep in mind that VTA changes will in turn, affect the tracking weight. Raising or lowering the VTA adjustment will change the tracking weight as you are in affect changing the weight biasing of the arm.
You may want to consider opening a Roth/IRA with the additional money you will be spending on the Winds, purchase the Shure, and then let your ears be your tool for fine tuning.
Your ears, by far, are the most accurate tools available.
And once again, if you really intend to acheive accuracy based on the numbers, either of the aforementioned tools will work well.
Although, the final sound quality will be fine tuned by making very slight adjustments in tracking weight (within the manufacturers tracking range) at which point these tools will only become secondary and their measurements somewhat irrelevant.
I personally have found that the most significant changes in sound quality are achieved using the VTA. This is assuming that cartridge alignment(tangency)and anti-skate(if you use it)adjustments are correct. But, do keep in mind that VTA changes will in turn, affect the tracking weight. Raising or lowering the VTA adjustment will change the tracking weight as you are in affect changing the weight biasing of the arm.
You may want to consider opening a Roth/IRA with the additional money you will be spending on the Winds, purchase the Shure, and then let your ears be your tool for fine tuning.
Your ears, by far, are the most accurate tools available.