USNRET Posted March 2, 2015 Author Share Posted March 2, 2015 Thanks for all the tips! Well you're welcome but it was I that was on the receving end in this endeavor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LarryC Posted March 5, 2015 Share Posted March 5, 2015 USN, where do I go to reliably order a Mint LP set? How did you get yours? I tried online, and couldn't seem to complete the transaction or verify my order. Should I go through Galen Carol, for example? Thanks, Larry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USNRET Posted March 5, 2015 Author Share Posted March 5, 2015 (edited) I also had an issue completing the online order form. I used this form http://mintlp.com/best/ordertractor02.htm and in the email explained that I only wanted one so IF they saw the online order I did not want two. I got a really quick response, good folks. I ordered the pre-made one without my name. Edited March 5, 2015 by USNRET 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LarryC Posted March 5, 2015 Share Posted March 5, 2015 Thanks!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USNRET Posted March 10, 2015 Author Share Posted March 10, 2015 Today I received my OptiVisor with LED option. Sure is nice to be able to actually see the stylus! I put on the MinLP protractor (last setup was with Graham tool) and saw that I was out on the overhang and out on the zenith. Using the new lite visor I set the cartridge very close on the first try. Amazingly, I was now able to actually see the stylus so well that setting VTA (actually SRA) was a snap. I set the SRA at eyeball neutral with the stylus as close to perpendicular as I could, I was a good 1.5 mm high at the tonearm pivot. A minor adjustment to the anti-skate using zero cantilever deflection upon groove engagement as my goal and I set back to listen. Much better sound stage with center being center rather than left of center, more bass response it seems. Getting very close now with perhaps a tweak here or there on the VTA/SRA as I find that happy spot so I guess I'll close this story out. Thanks for the help! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LarryC Posted March 11, 2015 Share Posted March 11, 2015 Today I received my OptiVisor with LED option. Hey, USN -- what OptiVisor did you get? Was it part of the Mint package? There are several on Amazon. Mint includes a high-mag loupe as part of their kit as I recall. I haven't got my kit yet. Larry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USNRET Posted March 11, 2015 Author Share Posted March 11, 2015 what OptiVisor did you get? Was it part of the Mint package?I bought: DA-7 Optivisor w/ Lens Plate - Magnifies 2 3/4X at 6 Inches 6010 Quasar LS 6010 LED Lighting System for Optivisor LP-1 Optiloupe 2.5X Monocular Attachable Lens from: www.loupe-magnifier.com I would suggest that you delete the LP-1 Optiloupe unless you are doing stylus inspection with cartridge removed as it has too much magnification for TT setup use. Instead invest in different power lens for the Optivisor. I got the two optics from LP Mint but found them both un-satisfactory. The lighted magnifying glass is way too dim to see; yes batteries replaced. The other optic I will use to burn ants this summer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LarryC Posted March 11, 2015 Share Posted March 11, 2015 Thanks -- I finalized the Mint LP order last night, will try to retrieve the LP Opti-loupe. What/which different power lens for the Optivisor do you recommend? Larry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USNRET Posted March 11, 2015 Author Share Posted March 11, 2015 Check out this page: http://www.loupe-magnifier.com/optivisor-lens-plates.htm I got the 2 3/4x power which the chart says is good for a working distance of 6". with the hood, lens and light I felt that I could easily bump the tone arm. I would add maybe the 2 1/2 x power with an 8" working distance if that makes sense. I like the magnification of the 2 3/4x and could use it with or without my bifocals on but again felt a little close to the work. With my bifocals on the focus was a bit harder but when I raised the hood to see the arm lift lever I couldn't easily use it. You vision will be different so........ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LarryC Posted March 11, 2015 Share Posted March 11, 2015 Those powers and distances should be good -- 2X isn't quite enough IMO, but 3X was a little harder to work with for me. The distance measurement is very important, I'm glad to see the "focus" on that so I don't bump into things. Once again, my thanks. Larry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jorjen Posted March 12, 2015 Share Posted March 12, 2015 I spent some time on the TT today Set the VTA where the tonearm was 'level'; what to use for this? I then started setting the azimuth using The Ultimate Test LP and my Fozgometer finding that the signal had a variance of 2 to 3 increments after I had the tilt dialed in equalizing left and right which according to the instructions could be associated with lack of damping. By tinkering I found that tracking force and VTA had no effect on the wavering signal for azimuth but I did increase the tracking force to 1.6 grams as some had suggested increasing that force. USPS arrives with the Graham blue silicone and I added enough to just cover the bearing point and just touch the 'square'. The Fozgometer wavering stopped and both channels are now pretty dang close to equal. I am still playing with the anti skate mechanism but the VERY small addition of damping fluid has helped in that. I can now put the weight back on, adjusted to minimal force and the arm does not swing wildly and does not skate off the LP from the lead-in grove. Having a Bacardi beverage and listening to Marshall Tucker; all sounds great so far. With a straight, non-tapered arm tube like the Graham, I use a lined 3x5 card resting on the platter as a level guide. Works quite well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LarryC Posted March 12, 2015 Share Posted March 12, 2015 I bought: DA-7 Optivisor w/ Lens Plate - Magnifies 2 3/4X at 6 Inches 6010 Quasar LS 6010 LED Lighting System for Optivisor LP-1 Optiloupe 2.5X Monocular Attachable Lens On order. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Schu Posted March 12, 2015 Share Posted March 12, 2015 Man... you guys are over thinking it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
USNRET Posted March 12, 2015 Author Share Posted March 12, 2015 Man... you guys are over thinking it Hey, I'm married with kids; allow me my one thing the wife allows (in moderation). Actually, the lighted optics and the Fozgometer are what I needed to get mine close as I CSFS...can't see for s... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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