Tonearm Offset angle and how important is it.

[Andy831]

I have two available arms a SME3009 Mk 2 and a Hadcock 242.

The Hadcock specifys an offset angle of 23 degrees while the SME has a minimum angle of 20 degrees.

My question is how important is this angle to performance and could the angle for the Hadcock be pushed up to say 37 degree provided the cartridge can still be aligned at the null points?

Has anybody tried this?

Andy

[Nick]

Off the top of my head, I think the offset angle is a function of the pivot to spindle distance and arm length. Is there a particular reason why you want to change it so much? I would have started with the makers recomendadtion myself.

[Andy831]

Off the top of my head, I think the offset angle is a function of the pivot to spindle distance and arm length. Is there a particular reason why you want to change it so much? I would have started with the makers recomendadtion myself.

To be clear the offset angle refered to is the angle a line drawn through the spindle makes with a line drawn horizontally through the spindle when the pivot point is positioned at the correct spindle to pivot radius.

The reason for wanting to change it so much is that I am trying to minimise the size of plinth required, due to the size / shape of my Turntable wall shelf.

[Neal]

I though the offset angle was fixed, to change it would mean reshaping the arm or headshell. Your question has me confused....

Can you describe is again using the AD picture below?

http://www.theanalogdept.com/overhang.htm

[Nick]

IO think the only time you would want to alter the offset would be if changing the effective length of the arm.

I think you are need to use the makers recommended geometry unless you want poor results.