Cartridge alignment problems

[kohngallery]

I need help! Im trying to set up a Lyra Titan i on a Clearaudio Ovation/Satisfy tonearm turntable with a DB Systems protractor. The problem is I cannot see how to align the cart with the lines; the head shell obscures the view, and the cartridge angles inward. So I have tried to align the cantilever, NOT the cartridge body. But the stylus must rest in the null points to accurately read the lines, and moreover the cantilever is not long enough to use as a guide to line up with the protractor. Does anyone have experience with and advice for how to proceed?

 

[Blue Shadow]

Looks like you could shove a toothpick into the groove on the side of the cartridge or tape a toothpick across the front of the Lyra. This would extend the cartridge a bit to allow alignment.

Look from nearly level with the stylus and not from above it the view is that obstructed.

 

[markd51]

I've never aligned a Lyra Cartridge, but am very well aware that the Titan i is a very highly revered and respected Cartridge. Never used a DB Protractor either to comment as to its accuracy or give much help with either.

At this level of performance I'd probably choose an Arc Type, such as the MintLP Best Tractor. That's the one I've bought most recently. In any case, yeah, seeing is most the battle.
Yes, definitely align the Cantilever if you can.

The MintLP Arc Tractor has ultra fine hair like lines, and null grids.(2)

What I've used is a lighted Magnifying Glass, and a couple of Jeweler's Loupes to help aid seeing better.
I even set up my Littlite Gooseneck Lamp alongside the Table.

You'll hopefully have a well lit and comfortable area in which to work. Bending over at a rack and working on alignment can be painful, tiring, and very trying. Best to be comfortably sitting for such.

I've found exacting alignment is no 15 minute task. I think spent 1 hour and 45 minutes aligning my ZYX Airy 3X Cartridge. I took a few breaks 5 minutes here and there to regain composure, a sip from a beverage, and no, no alcohol! LOL Yeah, some of that time was sweat filled. And it's something where you want to be in a good mood to do.

 

[Mark 1234]

Does the DB protractor have small pin holes at the inner and outer alignment points? If not you can make some. Usually you can feel the tip dropping into these pinholes and then check alignment from above.

 

[markd51]

Does the DB protractor have small pin holes at the inner and outer alignment points? If not you can make some. Usually you can feel the tip dropping into these pinholes and then check alignment from above.

From above what and how? And Pin Holes? That would be a very dangerous thing (to a Stylus) if that Protractor does have such.

 

[Mr Boochie]

Do you have the anti-skate set to zero?

 

[Mark 1234]

Idea taken from SME'S protractor. Not dangerous at all. From the side you can see the stylus go in the hole. You then know it is perfectly centered on the crosshairs of the null points and can look from the top for alignment.

 

[mkane]

mirrored protractor?

 

[Mr Boochie]

You need room to move your head and eyes around to remove parallax issues. But, I find they work well.

 

[Montycat]

Idea taken from SME'S protractor. Not dangerous at all. From the side you can see the stylus go in the hole. You then know it is perfectly centered on the crosshairs of the null points and can look from the top for alignment.

I've used an awl to make those pinholes at the center of the alignment points. It does help with some cartridges.

 

[markd51]

Idea taken from SME'S protractor. Not dangerous at all. From the side you can see the stylus go in the hole. You then know it is perfectly centered on the crosshairs of the null points and can look from the top for alignment.

I know the Mofi Geodisc is like that. Fine unless you bump the platter, or tool. Doesn't take much with a high end MC to do damage.