TT setup tools needed

Kgveteran

Kgveteran

Active Member
Hello TT Guru’s, i have a few questions before my TT shows up.

Before i run out and purchase the wrong tools, i’d like to ask what U use.

I need a level, im gonna go to Lowes and get a nice 12” level. Next i need a gram scale and a setup protractor. From the videos i have been watching, this looks to be it. Now, what are ur thoughs on this equipment list. Do you have any suggestions on either the protractor or gram scale, or a blank record for anti-skate testing.
Also i see weights that hold the album down, any thoughts on this or any other things of knowledge i may need, Thank you
 
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Any of these scales will work fine (you may see different manufacturer names on them, they are all made in the same factory) Don't spend more than $15-20 bucks.

https://www.amazon.com/Neoteck-Digital-Turntable-Backlight-Cartridge/dp/B01HRJ9NAY/

As far as protractors go, this one is easy to use and inexpensive. It'll get you started.

https://www.amazon.com/Cartridge-Alignment-Protractor-Tool-Phonograph/dp/B07KK76ZMK/

I wouldn't bother with a blank record for anti-skate -- either use a proper test record or just dial it in according to your turntable's manual.

You'll get varying opinions on record weights, personally I don't think you really need one if your records are flat and clean, you're unlikely to notice a huge difference. But if you really want one, I've used this and it's fine: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017EX6FTA

I use it mainly to flatten slightly uneven or mildly warped records, but I primarily use it because it has a built-in level on top that's pretty useful.

Good luck, have fun!
 
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Kgveteran said:
Alright gentlemen, they are oldered ! Thank you very much, as always :)
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My scale and one of my protractors in use, these make everything so much easier. I have a Shure SFG-2, it was the go to for decades and many still prefer them, they work fine also.

I should mention the Shure scale prices have ahem, "escalated?" while the digital scale like mine are around $10, added to the protractor all in $20, how can you go wrong.

But the digital is a whole lot easier, mine is now 6yrs old and still on the original battery lol. Used it last night having some fun with the counterweight on the Well Tempered Lab Turntable, the difference with one weight vs two.

The Grace F-8C is spec'd at .5 - 1.5g with 1.2 being the recommended, 1.21 close enough for government work.
20210310_224330.jpg

A different table, these pics are a bit blurry but good enough to show its ease of use.
20180611_233546.jpg
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now if the cantilever isn't straight with the cartridge this setup may need to be tweaked a bit but you get the picture.
 
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Kgveteran said:
I need a level, im gonna go to Lowes and get a nice 12” level.
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That's ok for non-suspended turntables, but for a suspended design the weight of a big spirit level means you can't place it on the platter without its weight pulling on the suspension too much.
It's possible to make your own alignment protractor if you want to. You just have to be able to draw a few lines and right angles at specific distances reasonably accurately.
 
Thank you guys, love the pics and advice. I have to say this is a very “chill” forum. I’m sure there are differences here and there, but so far im gonna stick around for a while, share my setup experience and finally impressions of my “new to me” TT
 
rothwellaudio said:
That's ok for non-suspended turntables, but for a suspended design the weight of a big spirit level means you can't place it on the platter without its weight pulling on the suspension too much.
It's possible to make your own alignment protractor if you want to. You just have to be able to draw a few lines and right angles at specific distances reasonably accurately.
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My table Denon DP59L doesnt have suspension......but i’ll make sure its one of those light aluminum levels
 
Kgveteran said:
Thank you guys, love the pics and advice. I have to say this is a very “chill” forum. I’m sure there are differences here and there, but so far im gonna stick around for a while, share my setup experience and finally impressions of my “new to me” TT
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if interested in the Shure this is the cheapest price I could find for a new one

Screenshot_20210311-102746.png

Nice little scale and pretty accurate once you learn to use it and if you have a good eye. But at 6X the price of the more accurate and easier to use digital its kind of a dinosaur.
 
Kgveteran said:
My table Denon DP59L doesnt have suspension......but i’ll make sure its one of those light aluminum levels
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Nice table that deserves a nice cartridge, might I suggest a Denon. If your equipment supports a LOMC cartridge then the Denon DL301MKII is an outstanding choice that won't leave you looking to upgrade soon.

Nice looking cart too
1294998367_744635.jpg
 
benricci said:
Why would anyone still use this? Digital scales are dirt cheap and far more accurate.
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oh, believe me they still have their fans that refuse to use a digital. reasons like, I don't trust the digital, the batteries go dead, etc etc, none of which I've experienced from my cheap, most likely Chinese made model.
 
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Grenadeslio said:
if interested in the Shure this is the cheapest price I could find for a new one

View attachment 2159444

Nice little scale and pretty accurate once you learn to use it and if you have a good eye. But at 6X the price of the more accurate and easier to use digital its kind of a dinosaur.
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That price for the Shure is - insanely high! They turn up at yard sales, thrift stores, swap meets, etc. for just a few $ used. Until you find one on the cheap, I’d recommend one of the $15 digitals.
 
Grenadeslio said:
Nice table that deserves a nice cartridge, might I suggest a Denon. If your equipment supports a LOMC cartridge then the Denon DL301MKII is an outstanding choice that won't leave you looking to upgrade soon.

Nice looking cart too
View attachment 2159449
Click to expand...

Im getting a Parasound Phono preamp from a friend, probably a MM cartridge too, my poor TT will be connected to my HT system til i finish out my 2ch system, so a good cartridge and preamp will have to wait
 
Kgveteran said:
Im getting a Parasound Phono preamp from a friend, probably a MM cartridge too, my poor TT will be connected to my HT system til i finish out my 2ch system, so a good cartridge and preamp will have to wait
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nothing wrong with MM, most of mine are that or MI, I have a selection of Grace, Grado, Denon, Pickering, AudioTechnica, Clearaudio.......more I can't think of off the top of my head. Currently in rotation are a couple of Grace F-8 series, one just happens to be on a Grace arm and the synergy can't be denied.
 
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