Tilted tonearm on a Realistic Lab 2200?

[Odditory]

I've been trying to get my Realistic Lab 2200 linear tracking TT in good working order. I've ordered a new cartridge and fixed a cuing problem, for which this thread was very helpful. After I did all that I noticed another issue. The tonearm appears to be tilted, like it's leaning over a bit. I've attached photos showing the reasonably level platter and the decidedly not-level tonearm. I can't see an obvious way to adjust the angle of the tonearm. Is there an adjustment I'm not seeing? Do I have to worry about this at all? I can't imagine a tilted tonearm is good for records or the stylus, but I'd be happy if y'all just tell me not to worry about it...

 

[audiocrzy]

I don’t think that’s a good way to tell if the stylus is tracking properly. Once the stylus sets down on a record get down at eye level and see if it looks like the cartridge is parallel to the record from the front. If it is that’s good. If not and it’s way off then the Azimuth is off and that should be addressed

 

[beat_truck]

Agreed. I wouldn't worry about the tonearm when it is in the parked position. If it's not right when it is playing, then it is time to worry.

 

[Odditory]

Gotcha, that makes sense. Here's a pic taken while it's playing.



To my eye it still looks slightly off, but not horrible. What say you? (I know the cantilever is bent, something that I think happened due to my clumsiness when I removed the stylus a few days ago after I'd already decided to replace it and wasn't being super-careful.)

 

[Montycat]

It appears that the cartridge is more out of wack than the actual tonearm. Can you loosen the P-Mount screw and see if playing with that helps?

 

[beat_truck]

The pins might be bent / twisted. Might have to gently give the cartridge a twist after the screw is loosened.

 

[bimasta]

^ ^ All good input above, a fine example of AK giving guidance, with no arguments or pontificating.

When twisting the cartridge, as beat-truck suggests, hold the arm firmly with your other hand so the twisting force you apply doesn't harm the delicate bearings at the rear end of the arm.

 

[Odditory]

^ ^ All good input above, a fine example of AK giving guidance, with no arguments or pontificating.

Totally! Much appreciated, everybody!

Now that y'all mention it, I do see that the cart looks a little skewed in the tonearm. I'll try to tweak it back into shape this evening.

 

[Odditory]

I removed the screw and tried twisting the cartridge as suggested. It changed nothing, unfortunately. I'll see what it looks like with the new cartridge installed after it arrives later this week.