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Technics SL1200: Baerwald or 1200 white gauge?

Hello Guys,

I always used the original Technics SL1200 white plastic gauge to set my cartridges and I have always been happy about the results even I changed many cartridges.
Well , I have read on the net about the MintLp Tractor or the Wally Tractor (looks the same as the other one) used on the Technics SL1200 to give the Baerwald null points
I never tried those Tractors .. and I'm curious about the sonical difference
Anyone here has already tried them? .. and what is the sonic improvement or difference regarding the original gauge setting?

Thanks to everyone for your opinions
curio
tvad
9,467 posts
 
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.
curio's avatar
curio OP
294 posts
 
Ok I got the MintLP or the paper through Vinyl Engine are good template but where and how does the sound change compared to the default white useless Technics gauge?
tvad
9,467 posts
 
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.
markd51
741 posts
 
A question I have, about this particular Table.
I understand some like Baerwald Null Geometry, and some claim Stevenson Null might be as good, or another preference.

So, I ask this?

Knowing Yip at MintLP, how precise he is, with getting every little thing right with his Protractor per user's Table, Arm Spindle-Pivot Distance, Spindle Diameter, etc, would Yip possibly suggest a different, specific set of Null Points best suited for such a Table?

I would assume it would not be beyond Yip to provide special Null Points to accomodate a particular Arm?
Mark
siniy123
166 posts
 
2 Curio,
don't worry much. The Technics gauge provides the geometry the arm was designed for. I never experienced tracking problem using this gauge. Use the small screwdriver, the one that comes with cartridges, to see of the diamond tip and the end of the gauge are aligned.
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