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Tonearm compatibility and advice

Dear Vinyl Gurus,

Does the spindle-to-pivot distance determine whether an arm fits a particular table? Or is the needle-to-pivot the determining factor? Or does the headshell adjustment allow you to make up for small mismatches?

The tonearm mounting hole on my table is exactly 222 mm from the center of the hole to the spindle. I was considering a Hadcock GH 228 Export, but I'm confused whether it will work with my table. The spindle to pivot distance for the Hadcock is 212.8 mm, which is 9 mm short, but the needle to pivot distance is specified as 228.6 mm which will make the needle overhang by 6.6 mm.

I would greatly appreciate help understanding this geometry stuff. More specifically, will this arm work with my table? Thanks in advance.

For what it's worth:

TT spindle to center of mounting hole: 222 mm
TT arm mounting diameter: 22 mm
Hadcock GH 228 spindle to pivot: 212.8 mm
Hadcock GH 228 pivot base diameter: ~15 mm
Hadcock GH 228 specs
My table specs
mingles

Showing 2 responses by mosin

mosin
410 posts
 
Yours is a standard Rega hole. A Schroeder Model 2 will fit, as will a unipivot Magnepan and a bunch of other tonearms, if you decide against the Hadcock.

You may be able to squeeze by with the Hadcock, depending on the headshell slots and the particular cartridge, but it would be better if you could slot the hole for a proper fit. There are SME type mounts around that can provide an attractive solution. The ADC ASB-1 sliding base is one, but it is a rare beast, and I don't know the hole diameter without looking it up. Anyway, if you happen to be in the US, I may be able to hook you up with a guy who can make a clone of it that matches the Hadcock shaft for a halfway decent price.
mosin
410 posts
 
Stanwal,

"I have two of the ADC bases left over from my days as an audio dealer. I have no idea what they are worth."

They sell for more than you might think. The last one I saw went for around $75.
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