THE REBIRTH:After setting up and assembling the Avid Diva comes the second part, the more intricate task of aligning the tonearm properly with the table platter and the cartridge with the tonearm. I have set all bolts nuts a bit loose until the final calibration (as I do not possess any tools or protractors for a pivot arm anymore), and for that, I enlist the help of a man who is no stranger to this forum in things about accuracy in cartridge alignment - and I am referring to none other an our very own WS member Remus, whose in depth explanation of the topis of azimuth can be reviewed in the link below:
viewtopic.php?f=99&t=23157&hilit=mandym+koetsu&start=40Remus arrived with a whole barrage of tools, from cartridge/tonearm protractor to digital tracking force gauge to mini bubble level that can sit on top of a headshell to even a laserdisc for anti-skate checking. There is absolutely no truth to the claim that one can mount and correctly align a cartridge into an arm and table WITHOUT a protractor or tools.
Remus' passion for tweaking analog rigs has brought him to study scientifically the proper calibration with tremendous emphasis and utilization of proper tools and instrumentation. And in my books, I regard him as the 'Needle Doctor'. He does tonearm rewiring with a breeze and I have personally experienced viewing via his microscope the stylus/cantilever assembly of a Koetsu Black. Lots of 'broken needle' patients have seen him with good results, I have heard.
He finished calibrating and checking all alignment parameters, carefully explaining his techniques and what is really important in proper alignment. Below, making the finishing touches.
When the Needle Doctor gave his thumbs up to play music, all the records we played sailed through like butter melting in hotcake. Creamy and delectable. The music is all that matters, and I am a happy man. The rebirth has taken place, and the new era has began. We played Brothers Four Beatles Songbook, Julie London's Latin in Satin, Mambo Kings OST, Aerial Boundaries, and the Nimbus Supercut pressing of Grusin's Mountain Dance. I have no complains at all, I was not analyzing but just listening purely for pleasure and pleasure is what I got. I am satisfied with the transition and it will take a few more weeks or months before I start to analyze what I hear. There is no urgency for that. I'd like to say a big thank you to Remus for taking time out in his hectic schedule to come over, it's a good feeling to know that the train is right in its tracks at the risk of derailment or disaster.
And a few pictures to usher in this new experience, and I had to ask my idols Wolfgang and Johann Sebastian to grace the occasion and give their blessings as well.
My 'Immortal Beloved' - the Rosewood Signature, now fitted with gold (plated)
screws and nuts which I have been reserving all these years until it gets a new 'house and lot' to live in.
The Koetsu in a Diva - "A thing of beauty is a joy forever."
Thanks for watching.