Azimuth

The next parameter is called azimuth, which is the rotation from vertical of the stylus when the cartridge is viewed from the front. This parameter helps define proper channel balance and interchannel crosstalk. (See Figure 2) Basic approximations can be done by eye, however, not all tonearms will allow azimuth adjustments. If you're tonearm does not allow these adjustments, the use of a shim, either under the tonearm base or between the cartridge and arm are your onyl options. The method generally prefered is to shim the base of the tonearm, as shimming the cartridge may affect it's coupling to the headshell or arm, and additionally may have an undesireable affect on the effective mass of the cartridge/arm combination.

Azimuth is generally set during the alignment process. If you have chosen a cartridge alignment protractor that allows you to align the cantilever itself, that line can also be used to try to judge azimuth. The most accurate method is to use tracks from a test record that have modulation in only one channel. For example, you play the track that is right channel only, and measure the voltage level in the left channel. Then you play the left channel only track and measure the voltage level in the right channel. The goal is to adjust the azimuth so that the levels of crosstalk are equal in both channels. Poorly adjusted azimuth can result in shifting of the soundstage and less than precise imaging.

Front view of the cartridge. The gray line is an imaginary line from the tip of the stylus, up the cantilever. This line should be perfectly perpendicular to the record surface in a perfectly made cartridge.