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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
 
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.
bpwalsh
1,197 posts
 
The Fozgometer measures crosstalk and channel levels, and that's it. Good enough to get you in the ballpark but not worth $250 IMNSHO. Minimizing phase error is what's important, which isn't necessarily at the same azimuth setting as minimum crosstalk.
actusreus
733 posts
 
Soundsmith cartridges are notorious for uneven channel balance. Fremer wrote about it in his Analog Corner a while ago. A friends of mine had a similar issue with his Soundsmith cart a few years ago. Apparently, Peter does not share the same opinion regarding channel balance in cartridges as many others do, i.e., he does not consider cartridges defective even if they exhibit differences in channel balance that many would consider unacceptable. I also have heard of problems with Fozgometer accuracy, but it just might be your cartridge.
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