Technics SL1200: Baerwald or 1200 white gauge?

Buy a MintLP. It will be money well spent. The others cannot produce the same results due to the cartridge shaft alignment method unique to the MintLP

The white plastic Technics gauge is pretty much useless for audiophile use.

It is almost the same thing printed on paper by your printer instead of a mirror.
Solman989 (System | Threads | Answers)

The difference is in the MintLP's mirror and guidelines printed on it, which make use of the parallax effect to assist in the cantilever alignment. A Baerwald printed on paper cannot begin to mach the accuracy afforded by the MintLP.

I've used both.

Less distortion.

MintLP results in lower distortion than paper Baerwald, and both result in less
distortion than the Technics jig.

Read all the positive comments written by those who purchased the MintLP and
heard significant improvement over their other protractors, and your decision
should be easy.

Really, this is one of the biggest no-brainers in audio, IMO.

The results using the MintLP versus the Technics white jig are so superior as
to be ridiculous.

We are not talking about tracking problems here. We are discussing reduction
of distortion when the cartridge's cantilever is accurately aligned, which the
Technics jig cannot possibly accomplish because it was not designed for the
task.

Sorry, Siniy123, but you are fooling yourself into believing the Technics gauge
is providing optimal alignment. You have not used the MintLP, and therefore
you do not have the experience from which to draw a conclusion. Try the
MintLP and join the dozens of other owners whose ears have been opened to
a new paradigm.

The MintLP is simply...a...no...brainer...

Could be.

However, Curio asked about the sonic differences, and to my ears they are not subtle.

Maybe to him, the differences would be impossible to discern. Perhaps the same would apply to Siniy123.

Nobody know what they will hear until they have have tried both.

Lower distortion always creates a larger image...taller, wider and deeper.

There are NO comments from any Technics SL1200 owners who have purchased
a MintLP, and then gone back to the Technics jig after setting up their tables
with the Best Tractor. None.

Siniy123, borrow a MintLP (and the instructions) from a Technics
SL12XX owner, and spend the time to set up your cartridge with the Tractor. I
am certain you will hear substantial improvements versus the Technics jig.
There is much more involved than overhang.

Just borrow one if you can, paying only for round trip shipping. Less than $10.

Then, come back and comment after you've heard your table using both set-up
methods.

are you sure Tvad about the correct soundstage/depth/front-rear perspective of your MintLP setup?

Curio (Threads | Answers)

I am sure what I hear now is better than it was using the Baerwald protractor or the Technics jig. As I have repeated, there is more to the MintLP set-up than overhang.

Once you've tried it, you'll know. Until then, I think the debate has run its useful course.

If the Technics jig works for you, then terrific.

I sense from your other posts in other threads, that the price of the MintLP may be an obstacle, and you are therefore steadfastly defending the less expensive alternative. That's why I suggested borrowing a MintLP. Why not open your universe of potential? At least you would have tried it and not dismissed it out of hand.

For me, this discussion has run its course. The only folks dubious of the superiority of the MintLP over the Technics jig have not tried the MintLP, and they are not educated as to what it accomplishes.

One cannot have a useful discussion if some participants choose to not be fully versed on the topic.

Alignment.

Do some reading and learn a little more about the product and the process.

11-12-08: Markd51
Perhaps nobody on this forum yet has used a Mintlp Tractor on a Technics 1200-1210.

I have.

Yes, it is canted slightly toward the platter, so the front of the cart does not sit parallel with the headshell.

As with any "tweak" the questionable
benefits exists only in the mind of believer, manufacturer PR and audio press.
Siniy123 (Answers)

True in some cases. Not true in others. It just takes some willingness to learn
to discern the difference.

The MintLP is tailor made for each customer so it has the appropriate
geometry for the owner's table/arm combination, and the Tractor works as
advertised.

In an earlier post, you indicated that you were apparently unaware of the
aspect of cartridge alignment. Here's a good cartridge set-up primer to read. Section 5 discusses alignment. Along with overhang, precise alignment is what the MintLP addresses.

Setting up your cartridge properly would yield increased enjoyment in your
system. It's a shame you appear so resistant.

11-14-08: Bgpowell
I would like to know if there is big difference between what Turntable Basics offers for $20 to the $110 for the MintLp.

Yes, there is a significant difference: primarily the fine lines and cross points on the MintLP that allow the user to carefully dial in overhang and cantilever alignment. I owned the Turntable Basics protractor, and I can say unconditionally the MintLP is a significantly better tool.

Also, what is being overlooked is the outstanding step-by-step directions provided with the MintLP that guide the user through the process. IMO, the instructions alone are half the value.