Need suggestions for the best cartridge match for a Kenwood KD-550 tonearm....

[Big_Bill]

Originally Posted by Nanook

as the title of my response states, where'd ya get those specs?

the Vinyl Engine states:
Empire arm: 228.6mm, 17.3mm O/H, 23.8 ° O/S, 211.3 pivot to spindle

Kenwood KD550 arm: 237mm, 15 mm, unstated, 222mm pivot to spindle

looks like 10mm is needed to elongate the slots and to allow for a "twist", as per Dave.

Thank you!

[Big_Bill]

Originally Posted by directdriver

Sorry, I simply lifted the numbers from the postings in Audiocircle: http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=70898.0

It turns out the overhang number for the Empire is theoretical, not the published spec, and the discrepancy is 1mm. I believe if you use a protractor and have enough slop room on either headshell or mounting area, you will arrive at a satisfactory point.

Sorry for adding confusion. Regardless of specs, what Big_Bill has is a great turntable (I used to own many Empire tables) with a seemingly well constructed tonearm and with a little tweaking and adjustment he will have great result.

Thank you!

[Big_Bill]

I now understand why we are shifting the cartridge to the rear by 10 mm.

My question now is from what reference point do I measure said 10 mm?

[directdriver]

Your spindle to pivot is a fixed distance, assuming it's 211mm, then your overhang will be 17mm. 211 + 17 = 228mm. Make sense? Make sure you have some kind of protractor or alignment tool to do this.

[Big_Bill]

Originally Posted by directdriver

Your spindle to pivot is a fixed distance, assuming it's 211mm, then your overhang will be 17mm. 211 + 17 = 228mm. Make sense? Make sure you have some kind of protractor or alignment tool to do this.

Where might a man like myself procure one of these fancy audiophile tools?

P.S. Is there a certain model which is better suited to dummies like me?

[Nanook]

seems like a good way to go, as per usual P10. But I'd use a new headshell, just to keep the original arm/headshell intact.

[Big_Bill]

Originally Posted by Nanook

seems like a good way to go, as per usual P10. But I'd use a new headshell, just to keep the original arm/headshell intact.

I agree!

I'm thinking of using the stock one from my old Pioneer PL-630 to customize.

P.S. Does anyone have a cartridge alignment tool they are willing to part with?

[Big_Bill]

Originally Posted by Big_Bill

I agree!

I'm thinking of using the stock one from my old Pioneer PL-630 to customize.

P.S. Does anyone have a cartridge alignment tool they are willing to part with?

Well I now have a protractor and have set up the table using the stevenson math and it sounds great! I was able to slide the cartridge far enough back under the head shell to make it work.

Thanks again for everyones help!

Bill.