@neonknight As a former Mint user, I believe what @rauliruegas is saying is that the Mint may be using the Stevenson alignment, which creates a higher level of distortion than the Lofgren alignment and that Mint can make a new version for you using the Lofgren alignment if you so desire. I’m not sure about the P to S difference, but I know the alignment points are different with the different alignments. You can contact Mint to find out which alignment your particular version is using. There are several threads here discussing the differences between the 2 alignment methods.
Mint Protractor. A Pretty Nice Alignment Tool
So when I bought my Triplanar the seller had a Mint protractor for it. It was cut to be used on a Garrard 401. As luck would have it, the spindle size is the same as the one on my Scheu Analog table. So I put it on the table this morning, and fine tuned the cartridge alignment. My overhang was off just the smidgiest of a smidge, and I made the slightest of corrections to the cantilever alignment. Using an overhead light it was very easy to see the alignment lines. Playback showed the efforts yielded positive results. I have to say this is a good product. Nothing magical about it, just a clean execution of an arc protractor.
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IMHO, Wally Tools is the best place for turntable set up training and tools. I have them all and based on my experience, their system (especially the cartridge evaluation service that results in near perfect zenith or, in some instances, exposes an incorrectly built cartridge). The SMARTactor is also an excellent alignment tool based on owning and using one of these also. |
@chayro At the Mint site there is no longer an email link, the one there takes you to an order page is all. Also the order and associated shipping schedule stops at February of 2022. I find no threads of where anyone has purchased one past 2022. All indications are something has happened with Mint, and they may no longer be obtainable. Hope I am wrong, but it seems that way. |
Dear @neonknight : " The Mint protractor is built specifically for this arm. "
NO, that’s where you misunderstood strated and belongs because the MINT LP protractors were made not for an specific tonearm ( this does not matters. ) but for an specific P2S distance.
Look, the name in cartridge/tonearm alignment is accuracy and the MINT LP protractor is totally accurated for that specific P2S distance that each owner ask for. Example of that accuracy and your misunderstood, differences in the alignment A and B in Lófgren are this way: same linear offset for both A/B, different null points at each one, same offset angles, different tracking distortion and error levels and different overhang by only 0.8 mm and obviously different P2S distances. Compared any of the A/B Löfgren alignments with Stevenson all parameters are way different ( this is the worst kind of alignment but one choosed by tonearm japanese designers. ) R. |
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