Tonearm headshell angle. The shape of your tonearm dictates which headshells are compatible. In that case, what are the implications on cartridge 'offset angle'. Tonearms with no azimuth adjustment mechanism at all are also True Azimuth tonearms. Sep 10, 2008 · Yes, if this were true, but most Headshells are Slotted. An entry level Dual from the '70's, a Denon DP-52F (which I still use in my office system) and a Rega P3-24 which I currently use in my main system. You need a protractor for the alignment. 6 degrees. VTA Question: does tonearm matter more than stylus angle cause from the 2 pictures you See it looks like the vta is too high but the stylus is dead center straight. Standard detachable technics headshell. Rotate the entire headshell until the cartridge is aligned with the grid lines on the protractor. Still, with even that being said, there's no Cartridge made in the world, that can absolutely guarantee that the Cantilever is absolutely square with the Cartridge Body. Wilson also calculated that minimizing LTE required that the stylus be set at an angle to the pivot point. Advanced technology headshells use special alloy material to attain unitary structural connection with the cartridge and tonearm and thus minimize erroneous resonance baneful to fidelity. Aftert I made a VTA adjustment and set the Oct 13, 2024 · Specifications Specifications Specs (12 / 10 / 9") Effective tonearm length: 304. So manufacturers can standardize with straight slot headshells. Mar 14, 2021 · Just got a MOFI Studiodeck turntable and notice the tonearm seems to be on a very slight angle downward not the 90 degree appearance in relation to the record or platter I'm use to seeing. It has the S shaped tonearm with a detachable headshell. Angle between cantilever and a line drawn between the stylus tip and the horizontal pivot point of the arm (not to be confused with headshell angle) Inner/Outer null point Dec 16, 2020 · Hey A'goners, I recently purchased a Technics SL-1200GR TT and am very pleased with it. Thanks to Wally Malewicz for providing it. In addition, the headshell (to which the cartridge is attached) is cranked at an angle relative to the tonearm axis as defined at the line between the pivot and the stylus. The meaning of the blue line labeled “pivot to spindle” is obvious. Jun 6, 2008 · I would prefer to have the cartridge in this new version to be straight under the headshell and have the headshell itself angle mounted to the tonearm (think Dual 1019/1229 etc. Oct 8, 2024 · Specifications Specs (12 / 10 / 9") Effective tonearm length: 304. Replace faulty turntable headshells and wiring to ensure clear, crisp sound from your vinyl records. It may look beautifully minimalistic, but beneath its sleek design you’ll find a wealth of workmanship and smart details. Jun 1, 2015 · Since that is unlikely, I decided to pursue a project of some sorts to modify a tonearm for underhung geometry with zero offset angle. But bent, the pivot can be nearer the platter. Oct 18, 2024 · Start by setting the cartridge in the headshell, then use the protractor to adjust the overhang and angle. Jul 26, 2023 · Straight tonearms generally have a fixed headshell, which is often angled to minimize tracking error. You can't use just any angle. I agree that it's the headshell and top surface of the cartridge that matter. Overhang is the distance between needle tip and center of the spindle. Jun 20, 2025 · An adjustment screw at the headshell end of the tonearm allows for precise tweaking — just a slight turn loosens the headshell for repositioning. This creates torque Mar 19, 2019 · So have a dual 1019 table and an AR tonearm body with technics wand swap - all mounted on a a fully moveable wooden 'armpod' so it's simple to try/change the spindle to pivot distance. If your turntable is factory pre-drilled and fitted with the brand Database Alignment Calculator Overhang Shift Calculator The original and best tonearm database! Often copied but never beaten. If you follow the angle of the headshell backward in a straight line, you'll see that it puts the pivot point waaaaaaay off to the right. Data can be searched by manufacturer or parameter and model names link to library pages of original manuals where available. 8 / 254 / 230mm Mounting distance: 291. 4 / 24° Overhang: 13. 5 / 16g Cartridge weight: 7-20 / 5-18 / 7-18g Tracking force range: 0-3g Minimal null point: 125 / 126. Straight arms compensate for tracking angle by having the headshell angle tilted toward the center of the record. Tonearm base-end adjustment Some turntables require loosening a screw (or screws) at the back of the tonearm assembly. ive heard nor seen an advantage to either, though my experience is very much amature audiophile. DollaTek Hi-Fi Cartridge Alignment Tool Set - Vertical Tracking Angle & Azimuth Ruler for DJ Turntable Stylus - Tonearm Headshell Alignment Gauge for Precision Calibration of Turntable Cartridges straight headshell is designed for curved tonearms, you'd be better off with a headshell that holds the cartridge at an angle so you don't have to mount the cartridge itself with such a wacky angle. Step 2 The direction of this force vector is offset from the tonearm pivot by the headshell angle (“theta”) and can therefore be resolved into 2 perpendicular force components, one of tension along the cantilever centerline and one of skating perpendicular to the cantilever centerline, forcing the headshell toward the center of the record. Were discussing Scratch DJ straight pivoted underhung tonearms, not linear tracking straight tonearms nor straight tonearms with proper overhang and the offset angle in the headshell. It should allow perpendicular placement of the cantilever to the ray from the stylus tip through the spindle at the null points. Overhang gauges make alignment quick and easy, but they are not the most accurate tools. Fine-tune the tracking force and azimuth for the best sound quality. Aug 6, 2010 · To save space. 6mm Maximal null point: 251. Hopefully it doesn't mean the VTA is off? Jun 18, 2025 · Cartridge alignment simply refers to the angle of the cartridge body (and stylus) in relation to the tonearm and headshell. those with recorded sound Distortion figures are calculated from samples of The headshell is a part of a turntable's tonearm that the phono cartridge is mounted on. Make sure ahead of time you can return it. Jan 22, 2014 · Re: Headshell for Straight arm by KentT » 23 Jan 2014 01:12 The ADC tonearm is also too low mass for the 2M for optimum results. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. The Viv Laboratory Rigid Float is a radically different tonearm: a design that combats tonearm skating forces and their distortions not with the application of antiskating—which the designer abhors—but by eliminating from his arm the headshell offset that, in tandem with the friction of the stylus in the groove, causes skating in the first Mar 23, 2022 · The so-called skating force is a vector force which tends to draw the tonearm/cartridge towards the center of the record when the cartridge is mounted in an offset headshell i. 7mm Effective tonearm mass: 24 / 19. . The direction of this force vector is offset from the tonearm pivot by the headshell angle (“theta”) and can therefore be resolved into 2 perpendicular force components, one of tension along the cantilever centerline and one of skating perpendicular to the cantilever centerline, forcing the headshell toward the center of the record. In other words, it's higher in the back and lower near the cart. Move the tonearm over the protractor and line up the stylus tip with the center point of the protractor. Nov 7, 2022 · While some tonearms with removable headshells allow you to move the cartridge on the tonearm’s axis to be sure that the cartridge is at a perfect 90-degree angle to the groove. 4" longer tonearm? I do have my headshell designed to allow an adjustable angle. 6 / 238 / 212mm Offset angle: 18 / 21. This design integrates the headshell and tonearm into a single unit, which doesn’t require another connector; hence, no extra loss can accrue. Jun 18, 2025 · Learn how to set the Vertical Tracking Angle (VTA) correctly on your turntable to maximize sound quality and performance. With the cartridge squared in the headshell at the specified distance, the correct overhang and angle will be set. It's always a right angle to a radius drawn from the hole to the edge of the record. Note that because of manufacturing tolerances, it’s very difficult to correlate headshell angle to what’s occurring at the stylus. If the cartridge is not aligned properly, all other adjustments will be useless. Jun 22, 2017 · Curved and Straight Tonearms Over the last 40 years I have owned 3 turntables. You might be able to find a replacement headshell that allows the cartridge to sit higher up, reducing the angle, but that's an extreme solution and hard to source. Drawing on bearing engineering from the finest watchmakers, it features a high-precision, low friction jeweled bearing, crafted from Apr 15, 2025 · If your tonearm permits such motion, place it directly over the spindle and note the amount of overhang. As a proof of concept I mounted a Shure M75 with EVG stylus on a Thorens headshell in this manner, I used the TP-60 headshell but mounted the cartridge in the holes that are not meant for cartridge mounting. I am planning on upgrading my Rega in the near future. and while not high end , i currently have the denon dp500m table . We favor the arc protractor because it is the most faithful representation of the trajectory of the Nov 20, 2019 · Tonearms 101 - An Introduction. All of these turntables have had straight tonearms. My understanding is that when the VTA is properly setup, the tonearm should be parallel with the surface of the record. Parrallel, gimbaled, unipivot or magnetic. This angle positions the cartridge and stylus at an offset to the tonearm’s axis, which can influence the alignment and geometry of the cartridge’s tracking path. We favor the arc protractor because it is the most faithful representation of the trajectory of the The Tracer radial tonearm is the perfect match to our Performance DC, Performance DC Wood, Ovation, and Innovation series turntables. That said it does track and sound excellent. SRA/VTA Blade displays headshell angle on front/back axis independently of any tilt on the left/right (azimuth) axis. Sep 28, 2022 · Is it a worthwhile "tweak" for your tonearm? "The last thing I'd want to do is decouple my cartridge from the tonearm's headshell!", I barked at Funk Firm 's Arthur Khoubessarian (BSc physics, University of Surrey) at last Spring's High End Munich show as he attempted to introduce me to the Houdini cartridge de-coupler. Jan 21, 2021 · Adding shims under the headshell will angle the tonearm further tail down and I don't have enough height adjust to compensate for the space needed to level it on that course of action. Based on your photo, it looks fine. It's a functional and useful design. This can be seen when the cartridge is placed above the spindle (if the arm does allow this). You could think of the headshell like a rubber band or some perfect duct tape that can quickly come off. Note When adjusting overhang via a sliding base or by moving the tonearm to a new mounting distance, only the overhang is changed When adjusting overhang via headshell slots, effective length, overhang and offset angle are changed Figures for inner and outer groove radii relate to the limits of modulated grooves i. Swing it all the way in and you'll see it's about an inch under the The actual alignment geometry depends on the dimensions and shape of the tonearm. An adjustable headshell design ensures effective length is absolutely precise for proper cartridge alignment and performance. The headshell should be offset at an angle of 22. The straight headshells work with S or J shaped tonearms as the bend in the tonearm places the cartridge at the correct angle in relation to the vinyl. Dec 20, 2010 · Better to buy a generic angled headshell if the original Pioneer headshell is unavailable. This is known as the offset angle of the tonearm. The issue is tracking angle. Sturdy, Durable & Compact: The kit’s turntable cartridge alignment block is designed to last for the years to come. Jul 2, 2014 · The first is accomplished by moving the cartridge back and forth in the headshell (toward and away from the tonearm pivot point) so that the stylus fits precisely in the pinprick or crosshairs engraved on your protractor at one or two specified points in its arc of travel (or, with a straight-line tonearm, remains in the groove of your In addition, the headshell (to which the cartridge is attached) is cranked at an angle relative to the tonearm axis as defined at the line between the pivot and the stylus. With straight tonearms, this offset angle will need to be included which removes the ability to be standardized. First, it causes less wear on the stylus by taking off the direct pressure which would occur if the VTA was incorrectly set. Their differences and audiophile performance? Move the tonearm over the protractor and line up the stylus tip with the center point of the protractor. a headshell that is at an angle to the line of the arm tube (most modern tonearms utilize offset headshells in an effort to minimize tracking distortion). This angle is normally adjusted by raising or lowering the back of the tonearm (although shims can be used between the headshell and cartridge). What cartridge? Jan 22, 2019 · Near as I can tell the only real difference is the angle of the headshell to compensate for the tonearm being straight and not curved? BTW I am in australia so that amazon link, isn't applicable - but thanks Oct 24, 2007 · The straight "scratch" tonearms are terrible. I mainly suggest this because you need a strong grip while screwing and if its on the tonearm still its easy accidently change the Azimuth you set. • The following two steps (alignment on the arc and offset angle) are extremely critical for optimal results. Oct 9, 2007 · "S" shaped tonearm ? what is the reason a company ,such as denon for instance to put an "S" shaped tonearm on there table. The angle is specific to the effective length of the tonearm. I don't see an adjustment for arm height on this TT. That might work, but it's a lot to pay to find out it doesn't. If you discover that the headshell is not perfectly level, make it so. Others (like myself), chose to go with other cartridge alignments like a Baerwald or Lofgren B, so the Techincs overhang tool will not work for those. Feb 1, 2020 · Once a satisfactory Azimuth is found, remove the headshell entirely, preferably with a stylus guard on. 7 Feb 4, 2023 · Do you mean that the base of the tonearm is lower? Running a thinner platter mat will help. The user is instructed to align the straight part of the armtube to a line on the protractor, with the tip of the stylus positioned 15. The headshell is ok, but I like to know what the options for headshell upgrade. May 12, 2023 · This is why. 9999 Silver Audio Note Cartridge Tag (Clip) for Tonearm Wire or Headshell Leads, 99. Jul 28, 2023 · Understanding the Angled Headshell. Assuming the tonearm's mounting hole is within a few millimeters of optimum and the headshell has slots to allow the cartridge to be twisted and moved, the arm can be optimized by using a null radius template. However, it does mean that the "pull" of the stylus in the groove is now being applied at an angle to the pivot point, instead of directly. Groovemaster - GM III / 9" Tonearm 9 " SPU-G / SME type, ultra low tolerance Bearing, Removable Headshell, DIN Cable Connector - Hand-machined in Holland Alignment Nov 7, 2022 · Choosing a headshell for your turntable setup is important for reducing tonearm resonance and improving tracking during vinyl playback. How is one to determine (choose?) the spindle to pivot distance? and ultimately the corollary question i have is what template to use to set the azimuth angle and Jan 26, 2025 · Step 1 Take the necessary steps to prepare to rotate the tonearm headshell to adjust azimuth. Audio-Technica AT-HS4SV Universal Headshell for Straight-Arm Tonearms - Silver $39. 86mm from the spindle. Mar 16, 2015 · This drawing explains tone arm basic geometry. Nov 23, 2020 · An S-Shaped includes the offset angle if the overhang relative to the tonearm interface will be correct. The other May 19, 2022 · The Ultimate Turntable Headshell Guide What Is A Headshell? A headshell is a connecting piece that holds both the cartridge and stylus in place while also connecting these two pieces to the tonearm. Starting with a level headshell (the underside of the headshell that mates with the top of the cartridge) is a good rule of thumb. Jan 2, 2019 · Many tonearms are tapered and do not have parallel top and bottom surfaces thus complicating the alignment process. Take your time and get as close as you can to perfection. The tonearm assembly’s height should be such that the bottom surface of the headshell and the record are parallel to one another. ) Am I correct in thinking the angle will not be as steep with the 1. 8 / 130. 6mm Maximal Two blades for tonearms with true azimuth mechanisms – If your tonearm has a curved or angled armwand it is a True Azimuth tonearm. One exception might be using a Rega Cartridge on a Rega Tonearm-Headshell, which can be mounted with three screws, thus locking in Overhang, and Zenith Angle. Most headshells are made of aluminum. Our cartridge alignment kit can be used with a S-Shaped arm and works with any 1/2 inch mounted cartridge. The connector on the end of the tonearm that the pin on the headshell fits into will rotate. Apr 25, 2021 · And it's a proprietary headshell. Correct VTA/SRA is achieved when the angle of the playback stylus matches that of the cutting stylus used to make the original master lacquer. You may have to alter the slots. ive had both straight and S . The tonearm adjustment is as Feb 24, 2024 · The tonearm holds the headshell (which contains the cartridge and stylus) and follows the groove in the record as it spins. When they feature a detachable headshell, the connector socket is often specific to the turntable manufacturer, so you need to make sure you get the right one. In my case, the arm tilts down slightly. The tonearm adjustment is as * total tonearm length, * effective length, * overhang and * offset angle (angle of headshell in relation to the arm tube; this angle changes in relation to the length of the arm). This offset angle can be achieved either by bending the tonearm in an S shape or by angling the headshell. It came with the original pioneer headshell and a stanton headshell fitted with a stanton 500v. The tonearm height affects the vertical angle at which the stylus tip runs in the grooves (VTA = Vertical Tracking Angle). Note that the effective mass of the tonearm can be altered by changing the headshell out to a lighter or heavier weight headshell. 2 / 16 / 18mm Pitch of headshell mounting grooves: 12. Jan 21, 2022 · The overhang gauge just needs to set that spacing, not the offset angle, because square to the headshell is the correct offset angle for that tonearm. Those short, straight arms get way off the angle. Integrated headshell tonearms offer advantages such as improved rigidity and reduced resonance, contributing to enhanced audio performance and fidelity. Any opinions? Regards This document provides instructions for setting the headshell offset angle for a turntable with an SME 3009 Series II tonearm. The reason for this angle is two-fold. Using the tool you used to adjust azimuth by eye, double check that your tonearm headshell is perfectly level to the record surface when the stylus is sitting in a record groove. Alternately you might be able to do it with a standard headshell. An angled headshell refers to a design where the mounting surface for the cartridge is not parallel to the tonearm, but instead has a slight angle. May 9, 2013 · Angled Headshell for Straight Tonearm by WiltonJr » 09 May 2013 04:16 Hello everyone, Currently I have a Ortofon 2M Blue on a Thorens TD 190-2 with TP-19 tonearm (straight tonearm). * total tonearm length, * effective length, * overhang and * offset angle (angle of headshell in relation to the arm tube; this angle changes in relation to the length of the arm). The higher you go up the hierarchy Jun 9, 2012 · As I recall the (straight) tonearm tube itself was quite long (12 inches or so). :scratch2: Are there indeed any situations with a pivoted tonearm where no cartridge offset angle is required? :scratch2: Regards, Felix aka catman. I purchased used and it came with a Denon D-110 cart. The tonearm is responsible for keeping the stylus in the right place to produce high-fidelity sound for the duration of the record's playtime. The new Krane tonearm is designed for Linn effective length and offset angle to ensure complete congruity with all Linn cartridges and other related LP12 components and accessories. Just a slight turn will let the arm rotate to correct the angle. The small bubble level also allows for parallel alignment when viewing the cartridge from the front. How is one to determine (choose?) the spindle to pivot distance? and ultimately the corollary question i have is what template to use to set the azimuth angle and Mar 17, 2021 · Maximize Turntable Performance: The tonearm cartridge protractor ensures effortless horizontal alignment. 3 cartridge and that is what's currently installed. So let’s go through it together (because you will be "scrolling" it's probably a good idea to drag the image to your desktop so you can refer to it as you read). Sep 7, 2024 · Straight tonearms without offset angle In the October issue of Stereiphile, there was an article on a tonearm that had no offset angle and therefore had no skating force. They do but there is more than tracking angle, two things, with S shaped thr vertical bearings alin with the cart and the S shape balances the arm mass which is desirable too. 99% Silver, (CON-TAG-02) Unlike the majority of cartridge tags available from other manufacturers, these are not simply re-purposed industrial connectors with an extra flash plating Standard VTA for Turntables What Changes the VTA from Optimum Setting? Turntable VTA (Vertical Tracking Angle) is the angle in which the tonearm and stylus meet the record being played. is this set right ? Any opinions? May 12, 2018 · If the bottom of the tonearm headshell is parallel to the record surface, your VTA/SRA is probably close enough to quit worrying about it. Dec 12, 2017 · The so-called skating force is a vector force which tends to draw the tonearm/cartridge towards the center of the record when the cartridge is mounted in an offset headshell i. Headshell Weight – expressed in grams, this is the weight of the headshell itself for those tonearms featuring a removable headshell. e. A pivoted tonearm only achieves that once in the traversal of a record*. Then make the final tighten of the screw with headshell in hand. Thorens tonearms have a couple of Allen screws that allow releasing the tonearm’s pivot so you can manually slide it up and down until the desired height is achieved. The advantage of this is that a standardized removeable headshell can be used. 00 Quantity Crafted of thick aluminum and exuding quality throughout, the Sorane headshell weights 17 grams and is a perfect choice for any tonearm with a removable headshell, and particularly so when a low compliance cartridge is being used. It also affects the relationship between the stylus and the grooves. Jan 27, 2021 · On a J or S shaped tonearm the offset angle is incorporated into the geometry of the shaft, which allows for straight slots in headshell. Shop AudioPhile, Dual, Garrard, Pioneer, Sony & more. Either get a different cartridge or find another tonearm. A record lathe cuts in a straight line. You can slightly loosen the locking collar and rotate the headshell. Nov 4, 2024 · EasyVTA height adjuster for Rega arms One of the things which many vinyl enthusiasts have found very frustrating is the inability to adjust the pillar height on a tonearm with any degree of certainty or repeatability, especially where those adjustments are by means of inserting shims either in the headshell or between the arm base and the turntable arm board. Audio Note AN Cartridge Tag for Tone Arm 0. Jan 15, 2021 · After struggling with alignment I'm wondering if I would be better off with an angled headshell for my straight tonearm? It seems to me as if there's not enough room on my current straight arm & straight headshell set up to be able to manoeuvre the stylus into place correctly. Mar 12, 2015 · Hey guys, I just picked up a Pioneer PL-550. Regularly updated, it currently contains mounting dimensions and alignment data for over one thousand turntables and tonearms. The cartridge or tonearm should be supplied with at least one pair of suitable screws, which you can now insert from above through the headshell rails before screwing them into the threads provided on the top of the cartridge. If your turntable features a tonearm height adjustment, use this adjustment to raise or lower the rear of the tonearm as needed. 7qq47niz neo xnr2c 9ljorit 9t8bnr gpcrt6 cyk 3wv108f eky pqg