Installing and positioning the cartridge
My suggestion is to install the cartridge on the tone arm while the tone arm is free
from the table. It will be much easier to attach wires and get the mounting screws
threaded while the arm is free and on its back. Get the screws just snug enough to hold
the cartridge in place but loose enough so that you can move it when you are lining things
up with the protractor. Position the cartridge using the protractor, and then remove the
tone arm again to snug the screws up (see section on “The meaning of tight”).
Getting the tone arm position right
Set the position of the tone arm using the distances listed in the chart found in set
up specs. Do this before adding oil to the bearing well due to the fact that on some of the
tables you will need to remove the platter to re-position the arm and tighten the arm pod
back in place.
You may find that with certain cartridges you can optimize their set up by slightly
repositioning the arm. This again is more easily done before the oil is added to the
bearing.
Getting the right amount of oil in the bearing
Follow the recommendations on the set up sheet. Remember, though, that too
much oil is better than too little. I take an absorbent paper towel, fold it, tear it half way
across and position it around the spindle. Then, when the platter lowers into the bearing
well (and some oil spills out), most of the overflow of oil will be caught by the towel. I
usually spin the platter while it is settling. This seems to speed things up just a bit.
Positioning your table – (including leveling, mains connection)
Positioning your turntable (for that matter, your whole system) can have a major
effect on your outcome. You must make sure that it is level. You should take care not to
plug equipment into wall sockets that are connected to circuits that have dimmers,
fluorescent lights or low voltage lighting (with its attendant transformers). Also be
careful with fancy line conditioners. Some actually work, but most do not. Whenever
you add anything to your system, listen carefully and judge by what you hear and feel,
not by what you read in a magazine.
Tom says: “Sensible positioning of the turntable is required – special
stands/platforms are sold for this very purpose but few succeed in any way shape or
form! However, a few work very well – finding them can be difficult though. A wooden
table will do the job very well. Try to divorce the turntable (physically and electrically)
from big amps/transformers so you don’t undo all the work the turntable manufacturer is
trying to do. Keep the table still and you will hear the music!”
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