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