Essential TT/Cartridge Set up tools

Tom is correct, you don't really need expensive tools to do a very credible job of setup. Some of the settings, especially VTA, is something you will want to hone in by ear anyway.

On the subject of scales, the Shure gauge works fine in most all applications. Make sure you get the non-magnetized later version, though. I recently bought a small pocket digital scale that works very nicely, indeed, and is accurate to 0.01 gr. It is a bit more than the Shure gauge, but not on the order of, say, the $500+ they want for the Winds scales. I think I paid $63-something with all shipping included. I tested it with a 10gr, 25gr, and 50gr weight and the scale read them all dead-on. Please find the link below (there are others, of course).

http://saveonscales.com/js50.html

I second Twl's protractor and 4yanx's scale.

I prefer a small straight level to a round one. You can check levelness (leveltude?) between any two points, like any two feet of the TT. You can also spin the level 180 degrees to make sure it's accurate. Can't do that with a round one.

Read the FAQ's on Vinyl Asylum for a complete education on TT/arm/cartridge setup.

http://www.audioasylum.com

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.

I use a cheap plastic straight level and a Shure gauge. Works great for me!

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.