Phono Turntable Essentials

FEICKERT NEXT GENERATION UNIVERSAL PROTRACTOR ALIGNMENT TOOL

A truly outstanding design now made even better, Dr. Chris Feickert's next generation protractor system aligns your cartridge with ultimate accuracy for tonearms with an effective length from 8.6 - 17.7 inches. The calculation of parameters were carefully carried out according to Lofgren and Baerwald equations and Stevenson (for Rega alignment). This provides even further choices to reduce the distortion that can be caused by a less-than-ideal tangential position of your cartridge while tracking the grooves of your records. This is the best solution for accurately aligning your cartridge with a wider variety of tonearms. It is accurate, compact, more versatile and even easier to use.

"Enthusiasts with even moderately priced analog setups will find this protractor to be indispensableNo more guessing over crude paper or plastic overhang markers or mirrored devices; this thing works like a charm." The Absolute Sound's 9 "Must-Have" Analog Accessories by Wayne Garcia for The Absolute Sound, June/July 2007

"Okay, let's get this said early; I consider this a must-own tool for anyone who cares about proper tonearm setup and cartridge geometry. This beautifully manufactured precision device, the work of Dr. Chris Feickert, incorporates both Baerwald and Lofgren geometries, the two principle approaches to cartridge alignment one on each side. It's also a universal device, handling arms of 200 to 440mm effective length! It's easy to use and as far as I'm concerned, simply the best. It is an essential tool for your vinyl toolbox and with proper care, will last a lifetime. Highly recommended." Richard S. Foster, Hi-Fi+, Issue 48

"Feickert's kit is impressive, especially if you want something more than a cardboard or plastic template. Most impressive is the metal jig for measuring the pivot-to-spindle distances nicely made, if industrialIt looks more complicated than it is; a thorough reading of the instructions will have you setting up cartridges in minutestrust me: it will provide peace of mind for even the most truly neurotic of vinyl users." Ken Kessler, Hi-Fi News, August 2006, www.hifinews.co.uk

Resources

http://www.feickert.de/engl/protractor_handling.html

Reviews

http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/vinyl/vinyl.html

SPIN-CLEAN RECORD WASHER MKII COMPLETE VALUE KIT
~ Save $24.97 off of the combined retail price with this package!

Since 1975, the Spin Clean Record Washer System has been one of the best value record washers in the world. It is an extremely cost effective alternative to all of the higher priced automatic vacuum cleaner type machines. It uses a proprietary and special washer fluid that encapsulates the dirt and keeps it suspended in the system instead of evaporating or redepositing it back on to your valuable record. Only the Spin-Clean record washing system uses this secret formula.

It does not leave any build up or film on your records. It is also one of the few systems on the market that will clean albums, 45's and 78's. With the Spin-Clean System you mix the concentrated record cleaning solution with water in the yellow reservoir base (small tank), The record stands vertically in the tray (as pictured), resting on adjustable rollers, as you rotate the record manually it passes through a set of two brushes that simultaneously deep cleans it on both sides. After you wash your records, you dry them off with a lint free cotton cloth.

Features
- New improved UV grade resin for a more rigid and fade resistant washer basin
- Re-designed rollers for a smoother and quieter ride
- New foam and brush material to improve the deep cleaning of your records
- Improved formula of the washer fluid to further enhance the cleaning process
- New graphics for the general aesthetics of the unit
- New improved drying cloths

The Spin-Clean Record Washer System Complete Kit comes with:

• Record Washer and Lid
• 4 ounce bottle of Record Cleaning Concentrate
• 32 ounce of Record Cleaning Concentrate
• 2 pairs of Washer Brushes MKII
• 1 pair of Washer Rollers MKII
• 7 washable Drying Cloths
• Instructions (in the lid)

Reviews
"There’s nothing set-and-forget about the Spin Clean, but it’s cheap and it really, really works."
- Stereophile Magazine

Stereophile's Products of 2010 ACCESSORY OF THE YEAR

"I've discovered a new system that makes it easy and affordable for anyone to have cleaner and better-sounding records. It's the Spin-Clean Record Washer System MKII."
- Goldmine Magazine

"Meet my new best friend, Spin-Clean."
- Absolute Sound

"Finally, some good dirty fun with a clean result; and a manual vinyl record cleaner that invigorates those grubby treasures."
- Witchdoctor.com

"To me, the most important part of the system is the Spin-Clean Washer fluid, which has already become my favorite solution for cleaning vinyl...The unit is bright yellow for a reason: it allows one to see the amount of crud that has been removed from the grooves, as the dirt will rest at the bottom of the Spin-Clean unit...The Spin-Clean system works exactly as advertised. There was no denying it...the Spin-Clean Record Washer system is the best $60 one can spend to care for their LPs and enrich their listening environment...an insane value. It gets my heartiest recommendation."
- Enjoy the Music.com

Top 10 Great Audiophile Gifts For 2010
- Enjoy the Music.com

The Absolute Sound 2010 Product of the Year Awards

The Absolute Sound 2011 Product of the Year Awards

LP TUNES MIRROR PRECISION CARTRIDGE ALIGNMENT TOOL

The LP Tunes Precision Mirror Cartridge Alignment Protractor lets you see and properly align your cartridge stylus for optimal grove tracing and music retrieval. This is one of the most important tools for turntable owners because the ability of your cartridge to retrieve music depends on its proper alignment with and tracing of record grooves. Maximize your listening pleasure with this simple and easy to use cartridge alignment protractor. The Mirror Precision Protractor comes complete with easy-to-understand procedures and tips to maximize your turntable setup.

MICHAEL FREMER'S TURNTABLE SET-UP GUIDE (DVD)

Please note: A turntable with a Linear tonearm, P-mount T4P, and tonearm with integrated cartridge may need few or no set-up adjustments. Breaking the plastic seal constitutes final sale and the item becomes non-returnable. These disclosures are provided for your consideration before making a purchase decision.

A car, from the humble Hyundai to the Formula One racer, needs to be properly tuned to deliver optimal performance. So does a turntable. A turntable must be properly set-up in order to deliver its best sound quality. There is no way around it. And since the turntable system is the initial source of the audio signal, its performance will be amplified all along the audio chain. This DVD is therefore essential for all turntable owners — music listeners, audiophiles, DJs, and those converting LPs to Digital who desire the highest fidelity and the original signal from the record grooves.

Michael Fremer is a senior contributing editor at Stereophile Magazine and publishes the online Music Angle. He is the No. 1 vinyl authority in the audio world and had been asked by readers for many years to develop a video guide for setting up a quality turntable and tonearm. The guide, with a running time of 3 hours 9:39 minutes, is both exhaustive and succinct.

With this DVD, you will learn simple and effective steps on how to:
- Set-up a cartridge
- Balance a tonearm and apply the correct stylus force just by using the counterweight of your tonearm
- Set the correct overhang
- Set the correct zenith angle
- Set the correct vertical tracking angle
- Set the correct azimuth

Reviews & Feedback
http://www.soundstage.com/vinyl/vinyl.htm
http://www.audaud.com/article.php?ArticleID=1732

“Before I watched your DVD I have to admit I was hopeless at setting up my turntable, needing to call my dealer to the rescue when something went amiss. After watching you explain and demonstrate the possible adjustments I was somewhat at a loss, but after getting out my toolkit and following the process step by step it seemed as if I was a seasoned professional. I breezed through it and thoroughly enjoyed the process. I feel I can finally and confidently say that I’ve begun to master the setup of my favorite source and I’m sure I’ll get better at it too. Your DVD has been a godsend, thanks for making it !!!”
-Bert Denckens Antwerp - Belgium

"It's awesome"
- Bob Weston (recording engineer, record producer, bass player in Steve Albini's band Shellac)

"Now, about the disc, I love the whole thing..."
- Buyer in Australia

"Your intro to the DVD (that's as far as I've gotten) was so f...king funny....the US vs Brit vs German approach to LP liners had my WIFE laughing and making me pause the disc so she wouldn't miss anything when she was getting ready for bed."
- Joe Harley, record producer, VP product development, AudioQuest

AUDIO-TECHNICA AT6091 ISOLATORS (SET OF 4)

The Audio-Technica AT6091 Isolators are special anti-vibration rubber feet designed for use with audio and video high fidelity components such as CD and DVD players, turntables, amplifiers, pre amps, loudspeakers and video components. Placed under the cabinet of the chosen component, they dampen vibrations both on the vertical and horizontal plane and absorb the accompanying resonances that affect the sound quality of any high fidelity component. Each isolator has a load capacity of approximately 20 kg (44 lbs). With a set of 4 isolators, the load capacity is approximately 80 kg (176 lbs). The Audio-Technica AT6091 Isolators include transparent seals and protective sheets.

STYLUS INSPECTOR LOUPE

Gemologist quality loupe by Belomo with all metal housing and triplet glass optics for a bright, clear and close-up view of critical stylus parts especially diamond tip, cantilever tube and bushing. The Belomo loupe features an aplanatic and achromatic triple lens system (corrected for linear and color distortion). 10X and 21mm focal width for ease of use. This superlative quality loupe is made in Belarus by BELOMO, the acronym for Belarus Optiko Mechanichesckoye Obyedinenie (Belarus Optical & Mechanical Association). A joint venture with optics maker Zeiss was begun in 1995. The firm produces lenses and optical elements for microscopes and other optical equipment with ISO 9001 certification. The Belomo loupe is considered by some as one of the finest loupes available—comparable in quality and performance to such exalted names as Bausch & Lomb, Zeiss, Nikon, Kaya and Schneider.

How to use the Stylus Inspector Loupe
A loupe is designed to be used in a well-lighted location. Bring the Stylus Inspector Loupe up to your eye as close as is comfortable against your eyelashes (or near your eyegalsses) but without touching your eye. Be sure to keep both eyes open. It is natural to want to close the other eye but eventually it leads to eye strain more quickly than keeping both eyes open. Keep the gem loupe stationary. Bring the stylus in to the loupe to focus.

Slowly move the stylus back and forth until it comes into focus and maximum clarity. Because the loupe has very strong magnification, the focal range or aperture is very narrow. Slightly move the stone back and forth and turn it around to get different areas of the stylus into focus for examination.

Note: 10X is the standard for diamond and gemstone grading. We do not recommend higher than 10X magnification. It is difficult to focus. More importantly, it would require the user to bring the stylus very close to the lens and this could lead the end-user to accidentally hit and bend the cantilever.

MICHAEL FREMER'S IT'S A VINYL WORLD, AFTER ALL (DVD)

Learn turntable set-up and the best ways to handle, store, clean and care for your valuable records from noted analog expert and leading authority Michael Fremer. Fremer is a senior contributing editor at Stereophile Magazine and publishes the online Music Angle. He is the No. 1 vinyl authority in the audio world and had been asked by readers for many years to develop a video guide for setting up a quality turntable and tonearm. The guide, with a running time of 3 hours 9:39 minutes, is both exhaustive and succinct.

Tour the famous Diepolz, Germany Pallas pressing plant with Fremer and see how they plate lacquers and press records at Europe's premier pressing plant. Then visit Record Technology Incorporated (RTI) and see how America's best record manufacturer does it. Eavesdrop on a mastering session with Kevin Gray and Steve Hoffman at famed AcousTech Mastering, the world's only mastering room located within a pressing plant. Additional interviews with RTI's Don MacInnis and Pallas's Holger Neummann. Includes PDF file on the DVD-ROM section containing more useful information.

Shot in high definition and released on DVD in a letter-boxed format, this DVD is even more informative and entertaining than Fremer's first highly acclaimed DVD "21st Century Vinyl: Michael Fremer's Practical Guide to Turntable Set-Up." If you enjoyed, appreciated and laughed along with the first one, you'll love this one from the opening minute.

SPIN-CLEAN RECORD WASHER MKII COMPLETE VALUE KIT SPECIAL EDITION
~ Offers clear view for better cleaning performance!

The Spin Clean Special Edition is a limited production clear color version of the standard bright yellow Spin Clean Record Washer MKII Complete System Package. It includes the same extras (additional 32 oz fluid, extra pair of brushes and 5 extra drying cloths) as the yellow Complete package deal. This should please those customers who have not appreciated the bright yellow color.

The "clear" Special Edition allows the user to view the level of available cleaning fluid and cleansed residue at the bottom of the tank.

Since 1975, the Spin Clean Record Washer System has been one of the best value record washers in the world. It is an extremely cost effective alternative to all of the higher priced automatic vacuum cleaner type machines. It uses a proprietary and special washer fluid that encapsulates the dirt and keeps it suspended in the system instead of evaporating or redepositing it back on to your valuable record. Only the Spin-Clean record washing system uses this secret formula.

It does not leave any build up or film on your records. It is also one of the few systems on the market that will clean albums, 45's and 78's. With the Spin-Clean System you mix the concentrated record cleaning solution with water in the yellow reservoir base (small tank), The record stands vertically in the tray (as pictured), resting on adjustable rollers, as you rotate the record manually it passes through a set of two brushes that simultaneously deep cleans it on both sides. After you wash your records, you dry them off with a lint free cotton cloth.

Features
- New improved UV grade resin for a more rigid and fade resistant washer basin
- Re-designed rollers for a smoother and quieter ride
- New foam and brush material to improve the deep cleaning of your records
- Improved formula of the washer fluid to further enhance the cleaning process
- New graphics for the general aesthetics of the unit
- New improved drying cloths

The Spin-Clean Record Washer System Complete Kit comes with:

• Record Washer and Lid
• 4 ounce bottle of Record Cleaning Concentrate
• 32 ounce of Record Cleaning Concentrate
• 2 pairs of Washer Brushes MKII
• 1 pair of Washer Rollers MKII
• 7 washable Drying Cloths
• Instructions (in the lid)

Reviews
"Theres nothing set-and-forget about the Spin Clean, but its cheap and it really, really works."
- Stereophile Magazine

Stereophile's Products of 2010 ACCESSORY OF THE YEAR

"I've discovered a new system that makes it easy and affordable for anyone to have cleaner and better-sounding records. It's the Spin-Clean Record Washer System MKII."
- Goldmine Magazine

"Meet my new best friend, Spin-Clean."
- Absolute Sound

"Finally, some good dirty fun with a clean result; and a manual vinyl record cleaner that invigorates those grubby treasures."
- Witchdoctor.com

"To me, the most important part of the system is the Spin-Clean Washer fluid, which has already become my favorite solution for cleaning vinyl...The unit is bright yellow for a reason: it allows one to see the amount of crud that has been removed from the grooves, as the dirt will rest at the bottom of the Spin-Clean unit...The Spin-Clean system works exactly as advertised. There was no denying it...the Spin-Clean Record Washer system is the best $60 one can spend to care for their LPs and enrich their listening environment...an insane value. It gets my heartiest recommendation."
- Enjoy the Music.com

Top 10 Great Audiophile Gifts For 2010
- Enjoy the Music.com

The Absolute Sound 2010 Product of the Year Awards

The Absolute Sound 2011 Product of the Year Awards

CLEARAUDIO CLEVER CLAMP

Simple, proven and effective plastic clamp that fits most turntables. There is a 65 mm diameter plastic disc that slides over and grips the spindle, locking and clamping a record into place. Its upturned edge allow for easy handling and removal after use.

AUDIO-TECHNICA AT615 PRECISION LEVEL FROM JAPAN

With the Audio-Technica AT615 you can level turntables, CD, DVD and Blu-ray players and equipment racks. It is important to level for rotational speed consistency and tracing accuracy.

Housed in a 36 mm diameter polished machined aluminum cylinder, the AT615 spirit level is both accurate and very easy to use. Place it on the center and four corners and level each shelve. Then level the equipment.

SOTA REFLEX RECORD CLAMP

The ultimate mechanical clamping system, the SOTA Reflex Clamp assures intimate contact between the record and the mat over its entire surface. This will reduce the deleterious effect of record warps and damp spurious energy and resonance. It will increase lower and upper frequency extension. You will notice an improved soundstage with more air around the instruments. The lever-action SOTA Reflex Clamp is the finest way to clamp your record to the platter.

AUDIO-TECHNICA STROBO SCOPE AT6180 FROM JAPAN

Accurate and easy to use turntable speed checker made by Audio-Technica in Japan. To use the Audio-Technica AT6180 Strobe Disc, place it over the spindle of your turntable and turn your turntable on. Then, watch the strobe ring under a normal fluorescent or LED light. It should be easy to see with silver and black markings. Next, adjust the speed control of your turntable until the bands in the ring appear stationary. Your turntable is now rotating at the speed that you selected.

Audio Technica AT6180 Strobe Disc Features
- Four speed support: 33 1/3, 45 RPM with 50 Hz and 60 Hz markings
- Dimensions: 104 mm diameter (4.095 inches)
- Weight: Approximately 8 g
- Main material: PC

SOTA I-CLAMP RECORD CLAMP

The Sota I-clamp is a clever, low-mass screw-tight record clamp designed to secure and "merge" your record with the platter. This will in turn reduce the deleterious effect of record warps and damp spurious energy and resonance. The I-Clamp will increase lower and upper frequency extension. You will notice improved soundstage definition and image coherence. You will hear more air around the instruments.

NITTY GRITTY 2.0 RECORD CLEANING MACHINE - SOLID OAK CABINET
-Complete with record cleaning fluid, record cleaning brush, and illustrated cleaning instructions

Nitty Gritty machines are simple, durable, effective and far more compact than other units in the market. With an injection-molded head section featuring a vacuum slot designed to produce a venturi effect, it maximizes the velocity of the cleaning suction while minimizing contact with the record. The vacuum slot is lined with a protective VAC-SWEEP, the industrial velvet lips with thousands of individual fibers that reach in and clean the record grooves. While Nitty Gritty Record Cleaning Machines are available in a wide range of prices and models - they all clean the exact same and very effective way. Thus, those who may not be able to afford the top of the line model do not end up with records that are any less clean than those who can it just takes a bit more time, experience and effort to get there.

A record cleaning machine of great value, the Nitty Gritty Model 2.0 offers manual record cleaning to suit your individual preference and persnickity for cleanliness. The Model 2.0 is the least expensive wet vacuum cleaning system available. It cleans just as well as the more expensive models. It features manual application of record cleaning fluid, manual brushing and rotating of record, manual rotation of record during vacuuming. It's quick, thorough, easy and cost-effective. The Nitty Gritty 2.0 is housed in an attractive Solid Oak cabinet. It comes complete with a 4 oz record cleaning fluid, record cleaning brush, and illustrated cleaning instructions.

Similar in operation to the model 1.0, the Nitty Gritty 2.0 is housed in an attractive solid oak cabinet. It comes complete with a 4 oz record cleaning fluid, record cleaning brush, and illustrated cleaning instructions.

Nitty Gritty 2.0 Features
- Dimensions: 15" x 9" x 8.5"
- Manual application of fluid
- Manual brushing and rotation of record
- Waste fluid drain plug on bottom
- Solid oak cabinet

NITTY GRITTY 1.0 RECORD CLEANING MACHINE

Nitty Gritty machines are simple, durable, effective and far more compact than other units in the market. With an injection-molded head section featuring a vacuum slot designed to produce a venturi effect, it maximizes the velocity of the cleaning suction while minimizing contact with the record. The vacuum slot is lined with a protective VAC-SWEEP, the industrial velvet lips with thousands of individual fibers that reach in and clean the record grooves. While Nitty Gritty Record Cleaning Machines are available in a wide range of prices and models - they all clean the exact same and very effective way. Thus, those who may not be able to afford the top of the line model do not end up with records that are any less clean than those who can it just takes a bit more time, experience and effort to get there.

A record cleaning machine of great value, the Nitty Gritty Model 1.0 offers manual record cleaning to suit your individual preference and persnickity for cleanliness. The Model 1.0 is the least expensive wet vacuum cleaning system available. It cleans just as well as the more expensive models. It features manual application of record cleaning fluid, manual brushing and rotating of record, manual rotation of record during vacuuming. It's quick, thorough, easy and cost-effective.

The Nitty Gritty 1.0 is housed in a sturdy and durable black vinyl woodgrain cabinet. The Model 1.0 comes complete with a 4 oz record cleaning fluid, record cleaning brush, and illustrated cleaning instructions.

Nitty Gritty 1.0 Features
- Dimensions: 15" x 9" x 8.5"
- Manual application of fluid
- Manual brushing and rotation of record
- Waste fluid drain plug on bottom
- Black vinyl woodgrain cabinet