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Overhang for Ortofon 2M Bronze on Rega RB301

I just purchased an Ortofon 2M Bronze cartridge and am a bit puzzled about the overhang setting. The people I purchased the cartridge from said they set the cartridge so the front of the cartridge is flush with the front of the headshell. When I checked this with the Rega cartridge alignment protractor it shows the cartridge should be roughly 2 millimeters further back in the headshell. I listened both ways and thought the setting where the front of the cartridge was flush with the front of the headshell sounded the best. The other thing I was wondering about was the tracking force; Ortofon advised from 1.4 to 1.7 grams. I initially tried it at 1.5 grams and then 1.7 grams (as recommended by the people I bought the cartridge from). Surprisingly I like it at 1.4 grams. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
bobgates

Showing 3 responses by johnbrown

johnbrown
195 posts
 

There may be no such thing as 'one correct alignment', but determining the overhang by the relationship of the cartridge body to the front of the headshell is absolutely the 'wrong' way to mount a cartridge. I'd suggest you read a cart mounting tutorial (they're all over the web, but this one-http://www.audiophilia.com/features/cartridge_setup.htm-is a good starting point). Also, go to VinylEngine-there's a wealth of free, download-and-print protractors at that site (you'll need to register, but you'll then be privy to a wealth of knowledge and manuals). In particular, check the 'Library' for Rega arms-I believe there is available a Baerwald arc protractor to print out.

I'd further suggest you do this AFAP-your records will appreciate it.
johnbrown
195 posts
 
Bob-

Good to hear. I'd guess that along with the proper overhang, you checked that the 'zenith' (twisting the cart around the stylus axis to align the stylus to the groove) was correct, no?

Are you using the Rega 'single point' protractor? If so, I'd wager you'll hear even better results with a two-null-point protractor-as I mentioned, there's a two-point arc protractor available for free on VE, or 'Mingles' mentions the even-better 'Mint' (though it's not free, seems to be worth the money from all I've read). BTW, the arc models allow you to accurately align without trying to determine a straight line from the spindle to the center of your tonearm pivot. Easier and (can be) more accurate.
johnbrown
195 posts
 
Hmmm....maybe. I've never heard this-but how do you adjust for the relationship of the stylus to the groove, i.e. the 'zenith'? With any stylus shape other than a conical (or elliptical) the stylus must be 'squared' to the vinyl groove, hence the grid lines on a protractor. Hey-you've got to use a protractor, for the sake of your vinyl.

Oh, and as an aside.....a 'blank' record cannot be used for anti-skate adjustment. Just saying. Anyone who tells you otherwise hasn't a clue.

And as a final aside-fer chrissakes, adjust your cart with a decent protractor, sit back, and spend some time-and I mean weeks, at least-listening to your records. This is about music, not futzing, and only with listening experience will you be able to determine if a change is an improvement, or just a change. In other words, simmer.
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