1. Home
  2. analog
  3. 1228927977

Technics SL1200: standard overhang gauge or MintLP

Hello Guys,

Some days ago I started a thread asking the difference from the cartridge setup on a Technics SL1200 with the stock white gauge and the Baerwald points by other Tractors
Well , as I told to Tvad I bought the MintLP Best Tractor and I tried the new overhang position.
Pratically is about 2.5/3.00 mm forward respect the standard white plastic gauge point so theorically the arm is longer with MintLP setup
I'm listening this new setup and I have to say Tvad was right when he said the sonic result is much better with the MintLP setup
Not only there is much less distortion like Tvad wrote .. but there is a large improvment in soundstage more wide depth and heigh more focus
As quality of sound I'm noticeing better bass quantity just tuneful and splendid heights super fine
I strongly suggest Technics SL12xx owners to buy that MintLP Best Tractor and to reset the cartidge position if done with the standard white gauge

Thanks Tvad for your suggestion

Best wishes to EveryOne

Curio
curio
rotarius
426 posts
 
Spencer, the offset angle is precisely set  if the cantilever is straight and cart is square.  Why even buy a cart with a crooked cantilever?  You can easily measure how parallel the cantilever is to the cart axis. How accurate can you get eyeballing with grid lines?  0.1, 0.5, 1 degree accuracy? I cannot quantify that but I do know what 0.5 degree offset error does to tracking error and distortion values.
chakster's avatar
chakster
2,482 posts
 
@rotarius 

...always liked the Technics alignment (similar to Stevenson) for classical.  

Their own plastic alignment tool (if you mean this one) is not Stevenson, with real Stevenson the cartridge must be twister a bit more, that's what i have double checked with my Dr.Feickert alignment. Stevenson is great not only for classical LPs, but for any record of the smaller size as well (7 inch vinyl singles).  
erikt
174 posts
 
Chakster said
" Their own plastic alignment tool (if you mean this one) is not Stevenson..."

I’ve read elsewhere that the Technics SL1200 and OEM headshell *was* designed for Stevenson alignment.

If not, what is your take on what alignment it was **designed** for?

Others have stated that in order to use a different alignment method, the OEM headshell doesn’t have enough adjustment in the slots to move the cartridge forward enough - you need to use a non-OEM headshell.

So, now I’m confused.
sbank's avatar
sbank
2,038 posts
 
@erikt It's confusing, but you are not confused! You answered your own question. With my SP10mk2/EPA250 arm, which share 235mm pivot-to-spindle with the 1200, the OEM headshell doesn't have long enough slots with some carts when you try to align with other geometries(e.g. LofgrenB or Baerwald aka LofgrenA). 

@rotarius "why buy cartridges with unstraight cantilevers?" Well, because sometimes they can't be avoided. Also, accidents happen and I've run into plenty of folks who have carts that play fine but aren't perfectly straight, and they still need to be setup optimally. Manufacturers have varying tolerances on straightness of cantilvers, not that I condone it.
So if you use the Technics gauge for overhang then what are you suggesting users do to set proper offset angle? Also, FYI, I've compared results of the Technics tool alone to Stevenson on a Feickert protractor and they aren't the same offset.  Cheers,
Spencer
rotarius
426 posts
 
It's not Stevenson but it's close if you set the Stevenson inner groove radius at 57.5 mm which is then the inner null point. The Technics alignment inner null point is 58.8 mm if I recall correctly. I have set up carts both ways and the difference is not audible to me.  I have no issues with IGD, sibilance or tracking.  I like it for orchestral pieces and for minimizing offset angle error. 
More to discover