The Mint LP target is specific to the pivot to spindle distance. Since that distance hasn’t changed, use the target. If long or short of the target, be aware that the Mint’s null points and their alignment grids will no longer apply.
Cartridge Change Overhang Difference-Fixed Headshell
I’m using a SME fixed headshell arm and an Art9 cartridge that was mounted with a Yip mint protractor. The Art9 mid hole to tip distance is 11mm. A new Art20 is stated as being 10.5mm. Opinions wanted as to use same protractor or not or Estimate the 0.5mm and shorten the arm, pivot distance. Note, this is not about the $130. That difference of 0.5mm would change the intended null points (Baerwald) and/or ultimately affect the sound in general shifting the distortion to slightly different points on the record? Thanks
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@wlutke , Was curious as to the practical performance implication of the 1/2mm difference other than those known about different null points. Thank you |
Well obviously exist higher tracking error and this means higher tracking distortions. If overhang change in any geometry kind alignment it needs to change too the P2S distance to mantain that alignment parameters. The calculated set up parameters came from the input parameters in the alignment equations: tonearm effective length and most inner/outer groove distances to the pivot where you can choose between: IEC; DIN or JIS standards. At the end of calculation the P2S is the tonearm effective length minus the overhang and that’s why everytime that overhang it needs to change the P2S to mantain the lower tracking error/distortions.
R. |
I have a Mint. My spindle to pivot was off by less than 2 mm and I could not get the cantilever to align at both null point grids simultaneously. I could get the stylus over the target at each null but the cantilever would be parallel to one null grid and not the other. The curvature of the Mint's printed arc was too steep for the added 1.5 mm s2p, affecting the angle of the grids. That was for a 250 mm s2p. What does that mean for you in a practical sense? With the overhang error don’t beat your head against the wall trying for simultaneous alignment at the nulls. Just a little bit off will affect the Mint to a noticeable degree. The Mint, like any protractor, gets the cantilever alignment only in the ballpark. What it does exceptionally well is set the proper overhang for the s2p, assuming the s2p is exactly to spec. If it’s not to spec or if the overhang is fudged, it defeats the Mint’s superior accuracy in that regard. |
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