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MMF 2.1 azimuth/tonearm lifter problem

I recently purchased a used Music Hall MMF 2.1 and have no experience setting up turntables. I followed the manual instructions with success except for one problem. The cartridge (Goldring Elan) was not even with the groove (the left side was higher). I adjusted this by loosening the ultra-small screw on the back of the tonearm and leveling the tonearm to make the cartridge even. In doing so, I made it so the tonearm lifter pin did not reach the rear of the tonearm to lift the stylus off the record. The lifter did work prior to the adjustment due to being lower on one end, and hence, closer to the lifter pin. My questions are as follows:
1) Should I not have adjusted the azimuth?
2) Are certain cartridges supposed to be uneven?
3) Should I not worry about using the tonearm lifter?
4) DO cartridge heights vary? (I am considering a AT 4470Mla)

Any assistance will be greatly appreciated.

Johnny
johnnypeepers

Showing 2 responses by johnnypeepers

johnnypeepers OP
2 posts
 
Maybe I did not explain what I did accurately. As I understand it, the VTA adjustment raises the base of the tonearm by way of two small allen-wrench screws, this is not what I am referring to. I loosened a small flathead screw on the rear of the tonearm near the counterweight thereby allowing the tonearm to swivel. By swiveling the tonearm I was able to move the cartridge perpendicular to the record. After doing this, the tonearm lift-pin would not reach the tonearm to lift the stylus, though it did before I leveled the cartridge.

Are both actions are referred to as VTA adjustments?

Please excuse my lack of knowledge in this area. I just wanted to be able to use the lifter, though the sound quality is much better with a leveled cartridge.

Thanks
johnnypeepers OP
2 posts
 
No, the VTA base screws were tightened the whole time. I had already performed the VTA tonearm leveling (and tightened the two allen wrench bolts back) before I noticed the uneven cartridge. Even if they were loose, the base and the tonearm lifter pin housing are connected, so they would rise and fall together. I looked for a way to raise the tonearm lifter platform, but it is an inaccessible bolt (no screw head or allen accessibility).

To clarify, the tonearm lifter is a round bolt that rises out of a housing to meet a cross-arm attached to the underside of the tonearm.

Should I not have leveled the cartridge to make it perpendicular with the platter? When looking head-on, the Goldring Elan dipped down to the right. From my reading it should be even. When I leveled it the tonearm lifter pin would no longer reach the tonearm crossbar to raise the stylus.

Johnny
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