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Importance of headshell and tonearm alignment

I own a Thorens TD166MKII with an SME 309 improved arm. I haven't been able to align the arm and headshell using a protractor. The installer tried to correct the problem by cutting away the rear section of the subchassis metal base to the point of leaving the arm base supported by the two front screws. This cutting allowed the arm assembly to slide further and slightly improved the alignment but it is still off. I can get true alignment on the cartridge if I use aftermarket headshells with slots which allow the cartridge to slide at an angle within the headshell. Does anyone have experience with this type of installation and can offer a solution? Should I be concerned with the alignment of the headshell and arm or just be content with getting the cartridge aligned?
flyfisher

Showing 5 responses by flyfisher

flyfisher OP
46 posts
 
I appreciate your answers, I will attempt alignment with a different protractor.
flyfisher OP
46 posts
 
Aligned with two different protractors and obtained the same results.
flyfisher OP
46 posts
 
Mounting distance appears to be off yet the arm was initially mounted using a plastic plate intended for this arm and it matched the pre drilled holes in the base perfectly?
flyfisher OP
46 posts
 
We replaced original tonearm with an SME plastic mounting board which is made for Thorens tables. Being that this board matches the existing predrilled holes on the Thorens no further measurements were taken. All was done under the assumption that all calculations and proper spacing had been handled as the board comes pre drilled for the arm as well. It was after all was done that we discovered the above mentioned problem.
flyfisher OP
46 posts
 
Gregm, thanks for all the added info I will verify distance more accurately and then restart the process!
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