Can every tonearm be set up with Stevenson, Baerwald, or Lofgren?


I'll ask forgiveness up front if this is a stupid question, but I've recently come across a confusing issue while setting up my Acoustic Signature XL w/ TA-700 9" tonearm.  The tonearm comes with a very sturdy alignment protractor that makes initial setup very quick and easy.  I initially used that protractor and just listened for the first month or so after buying the table.  I did notice that the initial track or two on an album could sound a little "off" - not significant distortion, but just not as clean as the rest of the album.

So, I got out my Feickert protractor to set the cartridge up more precisely.  It turned out that the cart was set up with the Stevenson alignment (I had preferred the Baerwald setup on my previous turntable).  So, I decided to try the Baerwald set up to compare.  However, even with the cartridge as far forward as possible, the stylus cannot reach the Baerwald or Lofgren set up points on the Feickert (in other words, it can't reach the circle with the crosshairs that are on the protractor).  I tried two different cartridges and got the same result - only Stevenson is possible.  

Is this normal? Since the factory supplied template is a Stevenson alignment, I assume the arm was designed for that setup.  

I appreciate any insight you all have.

Thanks, Scott
smrex13
Linear tonearms only require that the stylus is centered at the apex of the spindle. Easy! No overhang and offset angle to fiddle with!
Try a different headshell that allows more forward movement of the cartridge. Longer slots!
You tonearm does not have removable headshell, so you'd better stick to Stevenson. If you will swap the cartridge to something different then maybe you will be able to set it up with Baerwald. 

But in general this is why the arm with removable headshell is better for experimentation 
In response to the original question — "Can EVERY tonearm be set up with Stevenson, Baerwald, or Lofgren?" — I know one that can't. The Syrinx PU3 uses it's own unique alignment. Unfortunately it's hard to find but makes a very audible difference.