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Setting Azimuth

Details:
VPI Scoutmaster
JMW 9 standard tonearm
Soundsmith Zephyr cartridge band new
Using a Fozgometer and Hi Fi News Test LP both also brand new
I'm measuring at the interconnects off the turntable.
I cannot seem to achieve a proper azimuth that will give even channel balance. The only adjustment on this tonearm is the counterweight which is weighted a the bottom so turning it side to side should effect azimuth. Only extreme changes are affecting channel balance. I changed the interconnects in case they were causing the problem, but I get the same results. The right channel is a few decibels louder no matter what I do to the azimuth unless I make an extreme adjustment which has the tonearm cocked to one side and obviously this is not correct.
arnold_layne
arnold_layne OP
141 posts
 
Dopogue,

I've not experienced any issues with the cart clearing the outer ring clamp. I'm running at 2.0grams with the arm level. I've checked cartridge alignment against my Mint LP alignment template, and I'm tracing the arc properly and the cart is aligned to the tangent marks. There's no real anti-skate on this arm. Just the twisting of the tonearm wires coming out of the top into the junction box. It's just frustrating I cannot seem to achieve a close to equal signal on both channels. No matter what I do, the right channel is louder. I'll give your recommendations a try (1.4G and higher VTA) and report back.
philb7777
401 posts
 
Have you calibrated the Fozgometer? Mine had a similar issue. Downloaded the calibration tracks, burned them to CD, hooked the Fozgometer up to the CD player and calibrated it following the instructions. You will find thm on the Musical Surroundings website.

Try that and then recheck your azimuth via the Fozgometer.
arnold_layne OP
141 posts
 
Philb7777;

Ran the calibration. Left channel with calibration test disc is reading a bit lower than the right. I can reach 20db with the right channel, but the left reads slightly lower. I'm beginning to doubt the accuracy of the fozgometer.

A_L
philb7777
401 posts
 
If it never changes with extreme left and right swings in azimuth settings, then I would doubt the Fozgometer too!
arnold_layne OP
141 posts
 
I'm about to give up. Just checking out side two of my Hi Fi News test LP, and it's OFF CENTER. How the heck am I supposed check critical and minute adjustments of the turntable with an off center pressing? I hope Music Direct will exchange it for me.
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