Dual 1019 and Shure M97xE settings

[jviss]

Just wondering what folks are setting tracking and skating forces to for this combo. I just received my new M97eX. So excited! I need to mount it, align it (hints appreciated), and set the tracking and anti-skating forces. I will probably use the "dynamic stabilizer/de-staticizer" feature. I was also planning on using the paper protractor that cam with the cartridge. I do not have the original Dual cartridge alignment gauge.

Thanks,

jv

 

[catman]

G'day mate, re the tracking weight, use 1.25 grams if not using the stabiliser, and use 1.75 grams with the stabiliser in use.

Re general set up, please have a read of this. Both general cartridge overhang/ alignment and optimised electrical loading are very important with the Shure M97xE. :yes: http://www.mds975.co.uk/Content/vinyl07.html
Regards, Felix aka catman.

 

[jviss]

Wow!

Thanks for the quick reply! I have seen that site, and it is great. I will be following that guide when I set it up. I am still curious, though, about what folks set for anti-skating on this table. The Dual manual shows a column of anti-skating values per tracking force for elliptical styli (0.2x0.9); is that correct for this cart.?

I feel so stupid about the protractor. Do I adjust the cart. overhang until I can hit both points without having rotated the protractor, after having moved the protractor as close as possible; and iterate?

For zenith I will try to find a mono record, or mono track on my test record (i fit has one), and use the oscilloscope. Likewise, for azimuth, test tracks and 'scope.

 

[beatcomber]

I feel so stupid about the protractor. Do I adjust the cart. overhang until I can hit both points without having rotated the protractor, after having moved the protractor as close as possible; and iterate?

Start with the cart centered in the carrier and go from there. Duals from that period seem to have been designed with Shure carts in mind.

Yes, you will have to rotate the protractor to hit both points - that is how it is supposed to work. The goal is to get the cart aligned with the grids on the protractor (which can be challenging given the shape of the cartridge body). If you run into trouble, send me a PM. Westborough isn't THAT far from me.

 

[jviss]

Start with the cart centered in the carrier and go from there. Duals from that period seem to have been designed with Shure carts in mind.

Yes, you will have to rotate the protractor to hit both points - that is how it is supposed to work. The goal is to get the cart aligned with the grids on the protractor (which can be challenging given the shape of the cartridge body). If you run into trouble, send me a PM. Westborough isn't THAT far from me.

Thanks, that's very generous of you!

 

[beatcomber]

No problem, bub!

 

[catman]

G'day all, it is actually quite possible (and preferable imho), to get both correct cartridge overhang and alignment simply by aligning to a 'parallel' cantilever at both null points.

It is very fiddly though and given poor eyesight like mine, a magnifying helmet is mandatory in order to see when (and if) the cantilever is properly parallel with the grid line at each stylus reference point.

Yes, as Beatcomber correctly mentions, the platter has to be rotated a little, so take care. Regards, Felix aka catman.

 

[Neosonic]

Set the anti-skate to the same value as the tracking force. Make sure that you are using the side of the scale with the oval.

The protractor must be rotated.

 

[LexDM3]

Set the anti-skate to the same value as the tracking force.

I wonder about this when using a cartridge that has a brush that reduces the tracking force. The tracking force on the M97xE in my Dual 1219 is set at 1.75g as Catman suggests, but the net VTF for the stylus itself is 1.25g. Wouldn't it make sense to set the anti-skating at 1.25? I've been splitting the difference at 1.5.

"Aaahhh," he says, disagreeing with himself. Maybe you SHOULD stick with 1.75 because the brush itself may need some anti-skating compensation. Do brushes skate? Do brooms play hockey? Who knows...