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Fozgometer V2

I've been interested in a fozgometer for some time now. I'd like one to help me understand crosstalk and channel separation, so I've been aiming to pick one up. Stopped by a dealer today, was told they're essentially "for people who want to waste money" and "why would you need one of those when you can put on a modern pop mono record" to measure Azimuth. I was told this tool isn't any more more correct or exacting than your ears, but they've never used a Fozgometer (even though they have access to them. I've tried this particular dealer multiple times and just always seem to leave with a bad taste in my mouth and always ask myself why I torture myself with even visiting them.

What are some general thoughts on the Fozgometer V1 or even V2? I don't own an oscilloscope nor do a have local hifi enthusiasts to help educate me. My current setup for cartridge alignment is the mirrored version that's available for $15. I'm looking to get more precision out of my alignment and figured the Fozgometer was a tool to not only measure, but to corroborate what I'm hearing. Any advice?

128x128j-wall

Showing 2 responses by larryi

larryi
3,755 posts
 

For the sake of preserving the record and reducing stylus wear, I prioritize having the stylus as close to perpendicular to the record surface as possible (optical setting using magnification), and using the Fozgometer to make any minor adjustment that improves electrical performance.  Fortunately for me, it was an incredibly small adjustment that did not even register optically.  Absent a meter, I would stick with the optical approach, and employ minor tweaking by listening if that effects an improvement in the sound.  

larryi
3,755 posts
 

I use a Wallytractor to do the basic alignment and I use a 10x magnifier to see the markings.  The Wally Tractor is not the easiest tool to use, but it gives you more ways to confirm your alignment is good than other protractors and it is the best thing to use for my Vector arm which is a little bit hard to locate the precise center of the pivot.  I also have a SmarTractor (donated to my local dealer) which is far easier to use and I highly recommend it where the pivot point is easy to find.

I use a mirror of the right thickness and the magnifier to confirm proper optical azimuth setting.

VTA/SRA I set by first establishing thar the arm is parallel to the record surface (a ruled index card set just behind the arm makes this easy.  From there, I just experiment by listening.  If the pivot is raised too high, the sound is thin and sibilant, too low and it sounds dull. 
I have a USB microscope, but I never use it for alignment because it is a pretty fussy thing to set up and aim properly.

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