I finally found the answer here. SNR is correct when tonearm is parallel.
How Do I Install My VM Series Phono Cartridge? (audio-technica.com)
How Do I Install My VM Series Phono Cartridge? (audio-technica.com)
I checked if the tonearm, on my dual 1249, is parallel to the LP surface when the stylus is resting on an LP. The tonearm is angled down, and I had to put a .065 shim between the LP surface and the stylus to get it level. I was curious what the angle was, so I found the TT spec.s and the effective tonearm length was listed as 222mm. I did the trig and the tonearm angle without the shim was 0.426 deg.s. It seems that if I put a .065 shim between the top surface of the cart and the headshell mounting surface the AT VM540ML will be exactly at it's 23 deg.VAT. Or I could get a 1.5mm thick mat. Does that make sense.
I'm looking to buy a tonearm cartridge alignment protractor and would like a recommendation for one that is considered the most accurate.
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I bought a Dual 1249 protractor on ebay for $40 including shipping. The company is legendary audio in the Ukraine.
I Still Wonder about some of the cartridge adjustments with unipivot arm that I have. In the end there are no real complaints about the sound, so that is enough for me.
Concerning the idea that using another record to act as a mat would not work well just due to the raised lip around most records on the outer edge. Now stack one on top of the other, and you get an automatic gap.
The reason for my questions that I would like to know if an acrylic mat would work when resting on the Dual 1249 ribbed rubber mat.
I've caught Coltrane, Miles, Monk, Elvin Jones, Keith Jarret, Jackie Mclean, Lew Tabackin and many other greats live in NYC years ago. For years I've listened to them on LP and it doesn't have to be a perfect reproduction. The clubs had people bouncing around and their music was still spellbinding. Some clubs even served appetizers and drinks while they were playing. I've also caught Rampal several times beginning in the early 70s. I have what I think is a decent system. but I know their sound and get immersed in it.
If you stack the mats, you may subject the cart to a too high vertical tracking angle. Best to select the mat of your choice and go with just that.
I checked the tonearm, on my dual 1249, to see if it is parallel to the LP surface when the stylus is resting on an LP, and the tonearm is angled down. So, I tried different shim thicknesses and a .065 shim on the LP surface made the arm level. So, by putting put a .065 shim between the top surface of the cart and the headshell mounting surface the tonearm will be level, thus the VTA will be correct. And, the cart I'm getting is also compensated for the SRA. Or I could use a 1.5mm thick mat and place it on top of the Dual integral, rubber mat. I decided to get a mat, because the shim will only make the arm level, while the mat will do that, and also reduce static, and may reduce some unwanted vibrations. Turns out the cart used for the test has a height of 18mm and the cart I'm planning to buy is 17.3mm H. That difference is 0.0276. So, I will be getting a 2.4mm thick mat.
I'm thinking of getting a turntable weight for my Dual 1249. What weight would work without damaging the spindle bearing?
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I've been thinking of overhauling my Dual 1249 but some forum replies have said it won't sound as good as a newer TT. How would a Pioneer PL-400 fully restored with all new capacitors compare to a Dual 1249?
I'd be reluctant to add any weight to the Dual bearing. It's not made for that.
Although you should be able to add a weight equivalent to however many LPs (about six) it can stack up.
A lot of people seem to like the Pioneer PL-400. Why not get one and try it out? It's not expensive.
You can always sell whichever one you don't want.
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I'm in the process of cleaning and lubing my dual 1249 and I did a search for the oils dual used. They used a tacky oil for the vertical spindle bearing and two sites sell it and kits with all the various lubes. I have a small machine shop and remembered that I have Tonna V ISO 68 way oil. Way oil is tacky because milling machines have vertical ways. Based on that would it be good for the Dual spindle?
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