Tonearm set-up


My Micro Seiki MA-505L's installation template shows minimum (62 degrees) and maximum (75 degrees) for angles out from the straight line between the record spindle and the center of the arm base hole. Is this really necessary? As longs as the pivot to spindle distance is correct, does it matter how far the tonearm has to swing to reach the edge of the record? Not sure if this is about practical/mechanical reasons like positioning on the tonearm lift or if there is there some degradation of fidelity that may occur if the tonearm is set outside those parameters?

Thank you.

128x128oldsalt

Showing 1 response by lewm

I am not sure what Tomic is getting at by his one phrase answer, "antiskate".  Nor am I quite sure what you are asking, because you haven't painted a clear picture, at least in my mind.  All I can say is the restriction as to angles may be to accommodate the tonearm lift.  You want the lift to be positioned such that it can lift the tonearm at any point from the outermost groove to the label or the end of the runout grooves of any LP. That may encompass the arc between 62 and 75 degrees, for the 505L.  Does that make sense?

Do use antiskate but only a tiny amount.  A little goes a long way.  Usually the recommended amount of AS is more than necessary, especially for vintage tonearms like yours.