Sunny,
Interesting note regarding the stock Rega cardboard protractor vs the MintLP. I'm curious if Yip designs his Rega protractors with Stephenson alignment nulls (like the stock Rega protractor). Anyone who's ever tried to align a cart on a Rega using Baerwald knows there's barely enough room to get the overhang correct - you simply run out of headshell slot and end up with the cart all the way forward in the headshell (depending on the cart of course). While I've never played around with an RB1000, I know this to be the case on an RB300. Interesting...
-Richard
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Palasr
My experience with the protractors I downloaded from Vinyl engine is identical. The Baerwald and Lofgren were virtually un doable as I ran out of room to nudge the Cartridge(Lyra Helikon/Skala)foward. The best fit was with the Stevenson.Actually if you think about it its no surprise that the MintLP and the Rega supplied protractor yield the same result. Theoretically, there can only be one perfect alignment.The Mint LP allows you to achieve this with a degree of precision and certainty thats not possible with a cardboard or even the Freickert IMHO. In fairness to Yip, I should point out that its all to easy to compare the final alignment between the MintLP and the supplied Rega protractor.Could I have achieved the same quality of alignment using ONLY the Rega supplied protractor ? The answer is NO. |
Yes, I received my Mint Lp protractor late last week.
I guess my assessment is not as glowing as others who have posted. First up, it works and works well so no issues there.
I am not sure about the others but my protractor has drops and marks ( under the surface between the stuck on plastic and the mirror) which made the protractor look dirty and s/h. Yip assured me this was normal as the top of the surface was clean and smooth - which it was.
I find the Wally tractor is better made, has both baerwald and Loefgren alignment choices. Mint only has Baerwald as he says it sounds better. Wally gives you the choice of aligning to either and you choose which one you prefer.
The arc and null points on the Mint are on the plastic sheet with pen or similar, whereas the Wally tractor has a laser etching on the mirror for the arc, baearwald, loefgren and null points. This actually makes it a little easier as your stylus will sit in the etched groove ( it is not deep enough to damage the stylus) as a small nudge will move it off the etched line.
With the Mint, you need to rely purely on sight of the tip of the stylus touching the arc or null point. Easy with my Dyna XV-1, maybe not so easy with my Koetsu. So alignment I believe is easier with the Wally.
Both use parallax to get the alignment of the cantilever perfect.
The 10X Lupe was a waste of money, however the 5x magnifier with light that came with the Mint was excellent.
Customer service - no doubt Yip is a lot better than Wally in this regard. Yip followed up with prompt emails so No1 as far as customer service goes. Wally OTOH is very SLOW with emails, even thou he is a very nice guy to talk to if you can catch him on the phone.
Mint vs the Graham jig. Both end up with a similar result, except the Mint gets you to a more precise alignment due to the fact that the Mint or Wally has a point and parallax to align the stylus tip and cantilever, whereas the Graham does not have an exact point to align the stylus tip so you are unsure where to rest the stylus point.
Would I buy another Mint protractor for the new price of $110 vs $149 for the wally tractor, or the new Wally universal tractor that has 13 seperate alignments on it.
I would buy the Wally, however I might change my mind if his customer service is still bad.
Hope this helps
cheers |
First up, it works and works well so no issues there. What else does it need to do? ;-) |
What else does it need to do? ;-)
Smart arse :-)
Just trying to give a comparison between the Mint and the Wally and the Graham jig specific for Graham users.
Sunnyboy has all ready said his cardboard rega gives the same resu7lt as the Mint. |
I just got an E-mail from Singapore that my Mint protractor is on its way. I'll report back when I actually get and use the device. |
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Downunder,I just received my new Phantom Series II,and there "is" a set-up line for the cantilever,"and" stylus tip!...I believe all the necessary stuff is enclosed to allow for a very precise setting,of all parameters,except azimuth....
Here,the Wally is KING....assuming you have good(preferrably young)eyes.
I still would go with a Wally(only compared to my limited alignment accessories)as I was very impressed with it's attention to the slightest detail.
Btw,it was also quite cool,and the mirror could be used by those with a teenage daughter -:)
Best |
Forgot to mention,for those wanting a nice assortment of magnifying glasses,if you are close to a Barnes and Noble bookstore..."they" have about ten different types on display.Many look to be very good,with two different magnifying strengths(on each model),and a little led light too.The majority are quite small,and very good for this subject matter.
Good luck |
BTW, downunder. I think you mis-interpreted what Sunnyboy posted. The fact that the Rega and MintLp protractors use the same Stephenson alignment equations will show roughly the same results. And to quote Sunny: I should point out that its all to easy to compare the final alignment between the MintLP and the supplied Rega protractor.Could I have achieved the same quality of alignment using ONLY the Rega supplied protractor ? The answer is NO. |
Downunder,
Nice comparison of the Mint and the Wally.
I will disagree however about the efficacy of Wally's etched groove vs. Yip's fine silk-screened line. I found the Wallytractor etched groove would actually "assist" the stylus into "finding" the etched groove, as it is cut with 45 degree sidewalls -- hence the stylus tip would push or pull ever so slightly on the cantelever/suspension of the cart to somewhat force it into the bottom of the etched groove.
While I never argued with the results I obtained with the Wally, it was always something that bothered me slightly...perhaps his most recent iterations of the tool have addressed this. Good listening,
-Richard |
Sirspeedy, let us know how you do with the complete set up of your Series II using the Graham supplied set up "jig". Do you feel that you still need to use Wally's to ensure you have it "dead on". Please report back. Thanks |
Speedy
That is interesting re the Graham. does it still have the two parallel lines which spread out to the right and left at the top which you align your cantilever to.
Are you saying there is now a dot or line at the end for the stylus( if this makes sense)
maybe I'll get out my magnafine glass again tonight :-) |
Smoffatt,thanks for the concern....As you know I have been "down" for a LONG time,and am just beginning to get back to a workable system.
Due to a "could care less dealer",and circumstances surrounding "one particular" component(that affected others)I had problems which could "easily" have been avoided if the guy "knew something or cared" about the products he sold(I was too conditioned,by ten years of setting "it" up "one" way,to realize the problem).I am still "fuming" about this,because it could SO easily have been avoided,but I'll not ever go beyond that,or ever get more specific...let him(the dealer,NOT the mfgr) make his living(THE PRICK)....Oh well! -:)
Fortunately,I have pushed my set-up to a far better configuration(through perseverence,and being motivated by the LP collection I've ben able to amass over the years,which "kept me going"....I was down almost a year...and I mean DOWN!!)but am only just beginning to approach the hobby again.
I've had alot of time to "think through" logical improvements I might employ,and went for it!Much of the "on paper but makes sense" stuff I learned from fellow hobbyists,here.
My pre/phonostage is on it's way to me,with a V-Teflon cap upgrade,and some other very nice tid-bits,done by Great Northern Sound.I'll have it Thursday or Friday.
I spent the last few days setting up the new Phantom,which seems to be more sensitive than the previous fine series I.It has some nice touches,like a magnetically locking cue bar(on the down position)which makes sense to me.The fit and finish seems better,and the bearing threading is finer.I know all about the Titanium wand,and new wiring,but we'll see about that!
The tolerences of the appearance,and some ergonomic aspects of the new arm look better than the previous one,especially the magnaglide feature,which seems more sensitive than I remember.Even the IC-70 looks refined,but Bob Graham is a serious designer(and a very nice person)so I'm not surprised!It really is a gorgeous instrument!
The Phantom II sets up very well,and I made some adjustments to the supplied jig,which gives me the confidence to feel it is very accurate(all one needs in stylus to pivot/cantilever alignment/stylus tip/cartridge overhang "IS" there,with the Graham stuff....I can't understand why some question this,but I'm NOT complaining at all....whew).
I am quite familiar with how Grahams set-up,but I think the Wally would "still" be the icing on the cake!!....My friend will lend me one eventually(if I still care)but where I am at now,I really don't care much....Just being honest.
I'm gonna find out what I need to know this Saturday,when I FINALLY get everything up and running again,if I've done my job though,because(guys like Doug know this)the LP's I use for set up tell me everything I need to know!!
I have LOVED reading everything about all the particular system characteristics/approaches ALL of the fellows on this site have done(even when I was questioning some input)over the last year,and THIS has kept me enthused!
I guess I am quite eccentric(my wife concurs),because though I have been without my hobby,the beautiful system approaches of some...like Dan Ed's "gorgeous" hand made horns,and Downunder's upgrade path,Doug's technical wizardry/confidence,and the seemingly over the top,but I love it, stuff from giuys like Thomas H and Raul,Albert P.,and Jfox(the multi component crowd)keep me enthused.Even the "retro crowd" approach(Garrard,EMT,Ortofon etc)is too much fun to not assume is going to be a great listen.
BUT it was "Atmosphere's" good advice and concern that got me back on track,because I was clueless as to dagnosing my problem,until I thought about his input....Anybody in "HIS" marketplace would do very well dealing with such a good designer,who cares about his industry,beyond dollars and cents!
My LP collecting has kept pace though,and the only reason for "this" post,is my "hopefulness of pending joy"('cause I know this is a bit much,and wonder why anyone could really care) of being where I think I should be,by this week-end!!
Even my friends have been going through the upgrade path,so my only canned music has been in my new Subaru -:)
I've been saving a nice Barolo for the occassion of hearing sound,in my room...Due to the length of the wait,the wine has either aged out,or will be great!
I KNOW I am a bit over the top,but I also privately get real satisfaction from reading about the attitudes and deliberate approaches of some very interesting systems,
owned by the majority of hobbyists here on Audiogon!
Fingers crossed. |
Good job on the comparo Shane - thanks for the writeup.
Palasr - I know exactly what you're saying about the Wally and in that knowing find a little care avoids any issue. Overall, ime, the groove on the Wally gives a clear assurance of proper setup.
Speedy - your enthusiasm is catchy - I'll enjoy hearing more about your new Phantom with the O! |
Is WAM Engineering (Wally Tools) still in business?
For those that recommend the Wally Tractor, I paid Wally for a Wally Unviversal Tractor and a Wally Skater several months ago and never received them...
Now, I can't get Wally to answer my emails or phone calls...
Anyone else have the same experince with WAM Engineering (Wally)? |
So Graham Engineering refined the Phantom and the target plate on the jig....
Sirspeedy I bet your ready to explode with excitement now that your system is back on line.
My experience was similar to Downunders use of the original Phantom jig, I also got it very close to spot on.
However the Mint proved my sight line using the jig was off.
Somewhere above in this thread I did mention the lack of a reference point mark/ cross hair for the stylus on the target plate of the Phantom jig.
Anyway it doesn't matter now, I'm in pig heaven.
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Since I received my MintLP last week, I'll add my 2 cents to this discussion of the MintLP.
I was previously using Thom Makris' protractor (which is based on the same arc system as the MintLP). It turns out that, because of the much finer line of the MintLP, I discovered that I was slightly off at the null point, whereas it seemed right on the line with Thom's; likely because the line of his protractor is slightly larger than on the MintLP.
I don't have any experience with the Wally, but from my experience, comparing the MintLP with the Rega or other paper protractors (I've used a few if those in the past) is perhaps misleading, because the lines are quite a bit thicker than the MintLP.
On the point of the 10x loupe: it's very hard to use, specially if you don't have much clearance for the stylus (yes, with the Dynavector it must be quite easier, but with my Zyx Airy 3, it's tricky), but it's actually possible. It took me quite a long time to finally "see" the stylus/cantilever when doing the alignment, but it was so much more precise than the 5x magnifying glass. A bit nerve-racking too, because you have to get the loupe very close to the cartridge body...
And, yes it sounded better after all that work...
Cheers. |
Jfd01 and others, If you have not all ready come across this post yet...
I would like to bring your attention to Stringreen's thread here in the analogue discussion section titled...Mint Tractor.
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To anyone still interested,and an answer to the "Downunder one"(btw,don't count Federer out SO fast)!...
I communicated with Bob Graham on this exact subject yesterday.Basically to confirm what I felt I already knew....Since some of you guys definitely make me a bit insecure sometimes,with your "envelope pushing" approaches.
You're all "Fabulous Fanatics"(meant as a compliment).
He insisted(and I believe him)that the cantilever set-up jig is accurate to .001 inch(I hope that's good enough for most of us,but who knows with the Audiogoner hoy-pulloy crowd)and the 90 degree angled line(for cartridge overhang..."Downunder",which is marked ON the jig)is set for the Loefgren measurement.Of course one has to use the supplied "spindle adapter" for pivot to stylus distance,and align with the "holes" on top of the arm tube.Clearly stated in the instructions.
It could not be easier actually,and I now doubt I'll ever get the Wally,since it is being loaned to a friend,and I am totally confident in the Graham stuff.I've had enough waiting/fotzing around,and "need" to get "into" my music collection!
BUT DEFINITELY the Wally is fabulous for azimuth,and looks to RULE here!....ONLY(IMO)if you have good young eyes!Otherwise a good set of ears,and some familiar LP's will do fine -:)
Btw,thanks to those who sent me kind sentiments.....
Believe it or not,my pre/phono was delayed for one more week.My friend had the exact update done to his "same" unit,and got his about a month ago.He is going crazy,because he claims the V-Teflon cap,and Switch Mode Power Supply mods are a vast improvement over the original superb mod.
I'm SO worn out,that I have mixed feelings about the "fabulosity" of his sentiments....."Music Pleeeease'!
Next weekend is my BIG moment again!!
Hope the Barolo I've been saving for the "canned music celebration" is still good!
Best to all
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Sirspeedy, i have had many of my ARC gears modified by GNSC Steve Huntley in the last few years with huge success. I now have ARC Ref 2 MKI and Ref Phono with Caddock resistors and V-Cap and Black gate Caps throughout the signal path. The Ref Phono is actually modified to my own spec. You will be quite happy with the results whichever gear you own. ARC or others. My Amps are ARC Classic 120's Mono's modified by Steve as well.
Back to the Phantom now, you have just received the series 2 and you own a Cosmos series IV. I have not received my Phantom yet but it's coming soon. Can you tell me what the effective lenght of the series 2 is as per your owner manual. Also, the pivot to spindle distance if you have it.
I hope that you enjoy playing the system as much as the Barolo.
All the best...... |
Smoffatt,I don't think I know about the specified lengths.I trust in Bob's set up tools.
This is the second time I've had my pre/phonostage modofied by Steve Huntley.He truly is one of the nicest folks I've dealt with,in the hobby.It;s nice to deal with someone who "really" knows his stuff,and is sincere!
Originally I had the Black Gates/Elna's put in,along with other goodies.
Now,along with the new Phantom/Orpheus,brand new Cosmos IV(which blows away my previous series III,in fit and finish/low noisefloor....GOD this is a gorgeous table,in the gloss black Fountainhead base/pump),and the custom job Jeff Rowland did on my two chassis 8t,I'm ablout to pop,in anticipation.....BUT....
I've gone through SO much aggravation,in my upgrade process,and having to push along component enhancements/repairs/upgrades(this industry really has to take a hard look at how customers are expected to pay "this" amount of money,wait SO damn long for repairs/updates,and be subject to some dealers who are "clueless" as to the finer points of potential problems,if it "really" wants to exist)that I am absolutely "numb",even though I assume I will have a far superior set-up soon.
I think I was most happy,with a simpler system,back in the day!This will hopefully change soon,or it's gonna be a couple of new Martin/Froggy Bottom/McPhearson acoustic guitars....Not such a bad proposition!
Best |
My experience with the Mint LP Protractor was wonderful. The product is outstanding, the instructions are super easy to follow, and Yip's communication during the process couldn't have been better.
I haven't tried the Feickert, but based on my experience with Yip, I'm going to stick with my Mint tractor. |
Akimo, since you revive this thread let me give my opinion on Feirkert and Mint Lp. Feirkert is good to set up spindle to pivot distance. It's accuracy varies depending on whether it's pivot point is obvious like Schroeder tonearm. I have other tonearms which does not show the exact pivot point. Beside this, the pin that hang from the end of feirkert ruler does not allow exact vertical plumbing simply because hole that hold the pin ( by a screw ) is too large to allow exact vertical plumbing. Hence the inaccuracy. Beside that the line and dots are way too large. No way it can be accurate
As for mintlp ( I have all the mintlp for all my tonearm -3), it's definitely much more accurate but back breaking and tiring exercise. The loupe that Yip sold is definitely difficult to use ESP for certain catridges with cantilever within the body eg zyx omega with a ball blocking the vision. For those with such catridges , I strongly suggest to buy a specwell 10 x 20 monocular, with a tripod mount, close up len +2dpt. You will find setting the inner null point and checking the parallax error much easier. Check out optimalowvisiondotcodotuk. It's not cheap but who says this hobby is cheap? |
Continuation .....
However I realized that the mintlp glass ( feirkert as well) is much thicker than any LP, ie about 3mm thick. Most record probably 2mm or less. So when the tip of catridge rest on a record wouldnt it push forward since the LP is actually thinner than the mintlp ? So wouldn't the thickness of the mint lp matters ? |
