Vinyl Audio

Equipment => Cartridges => Topic started by: BSD2000 on August 15, 2011, 09:58:41 PM

Title: Mint LP protractor
Post by: BSD2000 on August 15, 2011, 09:58:41 PM
Has anyone here tried one of these? I just sent a request to buy one of the 9-series Rega protractors, I'm waiting for the return email on availability.

When I receive it, I'll write up a review.
Title: Re: Mint LP protractor
Post by: lshin80 on August 19, 2011, 08:35:00 AM
Actually I've never heard of them before. :-[ What's their pourpose? Please excuse my ignorance... :P
Title: Re: Mint LP protractor
Post by: BSD2000 on August 19, 2011, 05:47:44 PM
Here's the website: http://mintlp.com/best.htm#spot (http://mintlp.com/best.htm#spot)

It's a mirrored glass protractor with an arc printed on it, along with two alignment points to aid in getting the cartridge alignment as precise as possible. I have a Feichert protractor, but I read reviews where even though it looked aligned using a Feichert protractor, the Mint LP showed that it was still off a bit.

Mint LP protractors are custom made specifically for each model turntable. I bought the Rega model since I plan on sticking with Rega turntables.

I just got the confirmation email that it was shipped. It should be here by Monday. :)
Title: Re: Mint LP protractor
Post by: lshin80 on August 20, 2011, 06:35:35 AM
Interesting! Since they're made specifically for each TT, they should guarantee almost perfect alignment.
For my cartridge, I used a standard template, and a pocket mirror gently provided by my mom ;D
Title: Re: Mint LP protractor
Post by: BSD2000 on August 26, 2011, 06:14:59 AM
I received the Mint LP protractor and so far I have mixed feelings on it. The overhang arc aligns the cartridge much more in the middle of the headshell, whereas the Feichert overhang is setup with the cartridge all the way forward.

This produces an interesting effect with the Rega R100H - it made the highs slightly rolled off, it squashed the soundstage and separation, and lightened the bass. Most of the sound characteristics I love so much about the Zyx were toned down or just simply gone.  :(

Could this be the problem I was experiencing with the Zyx on my VPI Scoutmaster? The sound is similar. I attributed the problems to the arm liking heavier cartridges, but now I'm starting to think it could have been the overhang being to far in. Using the VPI alignment gauge to set the overhang of the Zyx produced a sound that was squashed with the air and 'life' sucked out of the music. Maybe I should have tried a Feichert alignment on the VPI with the overhang set farther out?

I'm still just getting started with the Mint LP protractor. I'll need more time to make fine adjustments before I come to any conclusions. These are just my initial findings.

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