Adjusting Azimuth on a Realistic Lab-420

[jsorrien]

Hi, the azimuth on my Realistic Lab-420 that I just picked up is off. Any idea how to adjust it? Can it be adjusted with the two screws on both sides of the pivot point?

 

[tcss]

Do not mess with those screws on the gimbal assy unless you understand what they do and how it affects the balance/movement of the tonearm.

On the underside of the tonearm there are two screws that holds the locking screw assembly for the headshell barrel. You can rotate that assembly ( only a small amount ) so the slot that the headshell barrel tang goes into is straight up ( 90 degrees or perpendicular to the record ). Or maybe the headshell barrel tang is not perpendicular to the cartridge mounting surface of the headshell.

 

[jsorrien]

There is only one screw under the arm, I got it backed out a bit, but can't get any movement.

 

[Balifly]

Hi, the azimuth on my Realistic Lab-420 that I just picked up is off. Any idea how to adjust it? Can it be adjusted with the two screws on both sides of the pivot point?

You can use a headshell with build in azimuth adjustment feature like these ones:

Yamamoto HS-3 boxwood Headshell.

LP Gear Zupreme™ 10G headshell

 

[jsorrien]

You can use a headshell with build in azimuth adjustment feature like these ones:

Yamamoto HS-3 boxwood Headshell.

LP Gear Zupreme™ 10G headshell

Yes thanks, good to know that's an option.

 

[bimasta]

There is only one screw under the arm, I got it backed out a bit, but can't get any movement.

Probably a bit of corrosion, creating a slight "bond". I'd put a headshell into the socket, it'll give you a bit more leverage. Of course don't force anything.

 

[Andre Garcia]

Modify the tonearm is, IMO too much.
If you put a different headshell and is not good again, you cant keep moving tje tonearm.
First check the tonearm alingment, if it is right
Put shims in the cart to solve it.
Andre.

 

[Jeff449]

I adjust azimuth by loosening the locking ring at the end of the tonearm ,twisting the head shell slightly , then retightening the locking ring . It may take a little trial and error, but my setup has just enough play to make it work.

 

[jsorrien]

There are two very small screws under the arm at the base by the gimbal end, but very little space to work. Wonder if I can get in there and loosen them screws if the whole arm will rotate.

 

[Jeff449]

Use a Phillips #0 bit between your thumb and forefinger.

 

[jsorrien]

Ya no way of getting to them screws with any tool I have. Guess it's time for a new headshell with Azimuth adjustment.

 

[Andre Garcia]

Ya no way of getting to them screws with any tool I have. Guess it's time for a new headshell with Azimuth adjustment.

Depend, shims are the solution in most the cases.
https://audiokarma.org/forums/index...average-deviation.861849/page-2#post-12592287
Andre.