I've been wanting to do a complete turntable setup video for audiophiles (a free video) and I hope to get started with filming next month. I'm using the TriangleART Signature turntable in our listening space, which I believe is a good candidate for a setup tutorial.
One main goal I have is to provide pretty much everything an audiophile would need to set up a turntable at least as complex as this, but in a way a non-audiophile can understand and follow; thus it won't include explanations about differing geometries or how/why things work. I also want to focus on using the most economical methods (particularly when expensive options don't necessarily result in better sound).
I've scribbled my notes below, trying to keep it somewhat organized by topics. You may see I forgot something you would recommend including or just have some general comments about what you've seen in setup tutorials that you liked (or not). Thanks for your feedback.
--------
Getting Started – read your manual, examine parts, talk to dealer/manufacturer, understand adjustment features and assembly/disassembly, what tools will you need for making adjustments
What will you need – test disc, tools (screw drivers, Allen wrenches, etc), bright light, jeweler loupe, bubble level, protractor, digital scale
Tonearm - how is it adjusted (understand before mounting cartridge)
Cartridge mount – does it fit your tonearm, how does it fasten, connecting wires, ridges and adjustment, cartridge break in, cartridge stylus protector, compliance considerations, clean contacts, recommended tracking downforce
Level platter and table – bubble level (measure level over cartridge path)
Azimuth - CD mirror test, Multimeter test disc test, don't bridge to mono
SRA – manufacturer’s starting point, setting by ear, show ortofon diagram
Phono Pre – MC vs MM setup, interconnect type
Tracking Force – digital scale, relation to SRA
Protractor - Measure Spindle distance, Print Conrad Vinyl Engine sheet (compare to expensive protractor), overhang, Lofgren B
Platter Speed – Download app, test disc track
Anti-skate
Grounding
Final Touches – hunt brush, magic eraser, zerostat, onzow, test disc demag track, cantilever replacement examination
One main goal I have is to provide pretty much everything an audiophile would need to set up a turntable at least as complex as this, but in a way a non-audiophile can understand and follow; thus it won't include explanations about differing geometries or how/why things work. I also want to focus on using the most economical methods (particularly when expensive options don't necessarily result in better sound).
I've scribbled my notes below, trying to keep it somewhat organized by topics. You may see I forgot something you would recommend including or just have some general comments about what you've seen in setup tutorials that you liked (or not). Thanks for your feedback.
--------
Getting Started – read your manual, examine parts, talk to dealer/manufacturer, understand adjustment features and assembly/disassembly, what tools will you need for making adjustments
What will you need – test disc, tools (screw drivers, Allen wrenches, etc), bright light, jeweler loupe, bubble level, protractor, digital scale
Tonearm - how is it adjusted (understand before mounting cartridge)
Cartridge mount – does it fit your tonearm, how does it fasten, connecting wires, ridges and adjustment, cartridge break in, cartridge stylus protector, compliance considerations, clean contacts, recommended tracking downforce
Level platter and table – bubble level (measure level over cartridge path)
Azimuth - CD mirror test, Multimeter test disc test, don't bridge to mono
SRA – manufacturer’s starting point, setting by ear, show ortofon diagram
Phono Pre – MC vs MM setup, interconnect type
Tracking Force – digital scale, relation to SRA
Protractor - Measure Spindle distance, Print Conrad Vinyl Engine sheet (compare to expensive protractor), overhang, Lofgren B
Platter Speed – Download app, test disc track
Anti-skate
Grounding
Final Touches – hunt brush, magic eraser, zerostat, onzow, test disc demag track, cantilever replacement examination