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Essential TT/Cartridge Set up tools

After much fretting...I've deciced to go with an VPI HW19MKIII with a Rega RB300 arm (purchased seperately) On my previous Throrens, and current AR. I believe all I used to set up my turntable was the cartridge manufuacturers template, and the basic instructions from the TT manual for setting Anti-skate, tracking force etc... What tools should I get to make sure I get everything setup right. There seems to be a wide range of scales, protractors, etc... available at an equally wide range of prices.

What really is needed and any recommendations on the most cost effecient easy to use tools?

Thanks in Advance,

Tom
tder
dougdeacon
3,338 posts
 
Word of warning on the digital scales: some are very magnetic. Keep your cartridge well away.

You'll have to devise some doohickey to weigh on the plane of the record anyway. That should keep the scale and cartridge apart. Not hard with a little ingenuity. I use a folded piece of paper.
jphii
485 posts
 
I use a cheap plastic straight level and a Shure gauge. Works great for me!
bombaywalla's avatar
bombaywalla
1,957 posts
 
Hey Doug,

>>You'll have to devise some doohickey to weigh on the plane of the record anyway. That >>should keep the scale and cartridge apart.

Can you explain how measuring on the plane of the record keeps the cart. & scale apart?? Thanx.

psychicanimal
1,738 posts
 
I'll add a *small* 90 degree bent tip needlenose pliers, a small screwdriver and a jeweler's loupe. Get up with the program!
4yanx
1,576 posts
 
Bombaywall, I'll speak for myself and let Doug correct me if this isn't also what he meant. With the scale I have, it is a bit "thinner" than the height of the platter + a "standard" LP thickness. My scale isn't magnetic, so I put pad of just the right thickness of "sticky pads" under the scale so as to bring the height of the scale pan equal to the height of the platter + LP. If your scale IS magnetic, maybe putting the "shim" on top of the scale pan and zeroing out the scale will separate it sufficiently from the cartridge. If THAT makes any sense. :-)
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