A Learning Tool, A Listening Tool, A Protractor

By Stephen Mejias • Posted: Apr 7, 2010

A gift from Uncle JA: The DB Systems DBP-10 protractor. This thing has been around since the dawn of time. When Jesus needed a protractor to properly align the Denon DL-103 moving-coil cartridge on his heavily modified Technics SL-1200 turntable, he called up David Hadaway at DB Systems. “Thou shall never sell this kick-ass protractor for more than $49, David,” said Jesus. David, of course, allowed Jesus to keep his sample on “a long-term loan.”

So, what do you do with a protractor?

Hell if I know! I haven’t used a protractor since Mrs. Aikins’ seventh-grade class, and that protractor wasn’t anything like the DBP-10. Some of you expressed concern about the Denon DL-103 phono cartridge’s compatibility with the Rega RB301 tonearm. I’m guessing the DBP-10 protractor will alleviate some of that concern. Somehow.

I do know that the DBP-10 is John Atkinson’s favorite alignment protractor. (It says so in our “Recommended Components” list. The DBP-10 has been on the list for longer than I’ve been working at Stereophile.) And, really, do I need to know anything else? The thing costs $49 and JA recommends it. What else is there to know? Let’s see what Uncle Art has to say about it:

The DBP-10 is easy to use and it was instrumental in helping me envision and understand the relationship between overall length and tracking error in an arm such as the 997, where an increase in the distance between record spindle and tonearm mounting hole must go hand-in-hand with a concomitant increase in the distance between stylus and pickup-head collar. In that sense, the DBP-10 is as much a learning tool as a listening tool, and, as a surprise bonus, it will last forever.

So, the DBP-10 has been around forever, will last forever, is highly recommended by both John Atkinson and Art Dudley, is cheap, and does something cool to your turntable.

Good thing I have one...

Comments

Submitted by warren hannemann on April 7, 2010 - 6:03pm.

why would anyone want to modify a sl-1200 technics turntable???

Submitted by stu gatz on April 8, 2010 - 10:20am.

Nerd chic?

Submitted by Fred J on April 9, 2010 - 2:51am.

Out away the protractors and you might actually meet a lady.

Submitted by Nick on April 11, 2010 - 10:42am.

It is not an either or, I have a Dennesen protractor and a lady friend. You can have both!!!

Submitted by Doug Bowker on April 12, 2010 - 10:30am.

Could Art or anyone knowledgeable comment on if there is any advantage to using a protractor like this if your TT came with one made for it? I assume no, but it never hurts to ask. Thanks for the Post Stephen!

Submitted by Nick on April 12, 2010 - 10:48am.

Years ago I bought an Oracle Alexandria MKII and the supplied alignment gauge that came with it was off (this was verified by a local hi-fi magazine editor). I went out and purchased my Dennesen protractor which I have had ever since. I used to have a Geo Disc but the Dennesen was accurate enough so I kept only one. My point is that while I don't think it happens as frequently as it might have in the past, another alignment gauge is handy to make sure all is accurate with anything the manufacturer might supply. Never trust and always verify.

Submitted by Stu Gatz on April 12, 2010 - 2:00pm.

Dear PenthouseI was using my protractor when a tall red head walked by and smiled. She asked me "what else can you measure with that?" and I said "lots of things."

Submitted by nunh on April 14, 2010 - 8:40am.

Stu's a buttmunch spammerJA seems like a pretty generous pal!

Submitted by Stu Gatz on April 15, 2010 - 7:36pm.

Huh? "Buttmunch?" Is a spammer someone who blogs with items you don't like?

In this Coach Outlet Online

Submitted by chen2020 on December 23, 2011 - 7:23pm.

In this Coach Outlet Online Store eye-catching holiday season, Pioneer coach factory online American style producer coach factory outlet delivers you a gorgeous gown with bold coach outlet online, multi-colored eye-catching coach outlet online. This season, coach factory outlet store brought us sweet and neutral girl Coach Factory. Purple Coach Factory coupled with metal pendant, pendant is truly a trademark of Coach outlet online, and we will immediately recognize coach factory outlet. Sweet coach factory outlet online princess also can positioned on purple leather-based bag over a beautiful vital coach outlet chain, vital coach outlet online store ring pink bag could make you lovely. Coach factory traditional light leather-based trim contours a perfect, Coach Outlet lightweight wrist strap, Coach Factory Online metal lock; Coach outlet store online is truly a lady placing on a neutral favorite. Coach factory is pleased to begin for fall 2010 males to construct a producer new design. coach factory awesome leather-based objects and components since the founded players, coach outlet store online toward the men's sequence onto a producer new level, American coach outlet design and rugged charm of males in these new and modern alternative objects at a glance. Indispensable handbook digesting pervasive luxury particulars and specific coach factory outlet leather-based producing methods, CLARKSON TOT function is inspired with the broad belt of ultra-light Coach outlet online look after and hand polished sheepskin. shortly after dealing using a comparable gentle folds, louis vuitton pursesgetaway bag is great for daily equipment, its sizing but in inclusion just for weekend travel.

All Headphones Ship Free!
Shop a Huge Selection of Top Quality
Headphones at Great Prices!
www.Headphones.com