Magnepan tonearm
I have the Magnepan arm which I have not yet mounted/used. I got it as a "throw-in" on a TT I bought last year. So, I'm not at all an expert but here's what I have found out: The mounting distance is 224.1 mm vs 222 for the Rega. There's a mounting template available to get it set up right though. The Magnepan mounting template, manual and a brochure are available on Vinyl Engine. Here's the URL for them: http://www.vinylengine.com/library_model.php?make=Magnepan&selected_model=Unitrac%201 There's a fair amount of discussion of this arm on Vinyl Asylum - search on "Unitrac". At least one of the inmates is somewhat of a guru on the arm. |
The mounting distance is not 224mm. That is the pivot to spindle distance....the pivot and mounting hole are different distances from the spindle. Look at where the actual pivot is and you'll see that it's not over the mounting hole. . . . thanks Jeff. I was just quoting the measurement from Vinyl Engine's tonearm db, and assumed it was right. I haven't had a chance to look closely at the arm geometry. either way, the net is it's 2mm different than the Rega. Is that correct? Is that significant enough to be concerned about using a Rega armboard? Based on TLH's comments, it seems the standard Rega mount at least work satisfactorily. (I'm interested in this because I already have a Rega armboard - and it will be easier to try mine if I don't have to build a new armboard for it initially) |
Thanks to all. The arm sounds really good on the Systemdek, even with an inexpensive cartridge, but I my ears tell me its not quite set up ideally. I'm upgrading to a little better cartridge and will play around with setup some more once I get the new cartridge. I was hoping that the armboard had a little play so I could adjust the distance if needed, but the arm fits pretty snugly on the armboard. I would have to cut into the armboard hole a little to make adjustments. Anyone think it would be worthwhile for 2mm? Thanks, TLH |
TLH, If you want it perfect, you might have to drill a new armboard. There's another set-up parameter with the mounting hole. From center hole to spindle and to the straight ahead position, the hole should be located so this is a 57° angle. I was thinking of making a headshell lifter like an outrigger that's the same on both sides, but I haven't gotten around to it. A conventional lifter works, but it throws off the balance slightly. Regards, |
