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Importance of headshell and tonearm alignment

I own a Thorens TD166MKII with an SME 309 improved arm. I haven't been able to align the arm and headshell using a protractor. The installer tried to correct the problem by cutting away the rear section of the subchassis metal base to the point of leaving the arm base supported by the two front screws. This cutting allowed the arm assembly to slide further and slightly improved the alignment but it is still off. I can get true alignment on the cartridge if I use aftermarket headshells with slots which allow the cartridge to slide at an angle within the headshell. Does anyone have experience with this type of installation and can offer a solution? Should I be concerned with the alignment of the headshell and arm or just be content with getting the cartridge aligned?
flyfisher
flyfisher OP
46 posts
 
Aligned with two different protractors and obtained the same results.
patrickamory
193 posts
 
Check your mounting distance... information should be here:

http://www.vinylengine.com
flyfisher OP
46 posts
 
Mounting distance appears to be off yet the arm was initially mounted using a plastic plate intended for this arm and it matched the pre drilled holes in the base perfectly?
tvad
9,467 posts
 
Print the free one on line and try it, just go to:
http://www.vinylengine.com/manuals_tonearm_protractors.shtml

I downloaded and printed the generic Stupid Protractor, but the scale is off by about 10%.

Is there a secret handshake required to learn the inner workings of the Vinyl Club? I'll trade the secret to how Chris Angel levitates.

:)
patrickamory
193 posts
 
Not sure what you mean by a plastic plate, but if the mounting distance is off (you measured spindle to pivot point, right?) then the arm was not installed properly.
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