Turntable Cartridge Alignment Protractor GK-R36E

The Goka GK-R36E Turntable Cartridge Alignment Protractor is a mirrored acrylic tool designed to accurately adjust a phono cartridge and tonearm for optimal sound quality and reduced record wear.

 

Made from high-quality acrylic, its standout feature is a reflective mirror finish that provides a clear simultaneous top and bottom view of your phono cartridge and cantilever for ultra-precise alignment.

 

Product Specifications & Features

• Material: High-quality acrylic with a mirror backing / mirror finish
• Dimensions: 156 x 35 x 2.5 mm
• Key Function: Mirror finish allows you to view the underside and tip of the stylus and cartridge simultaneously to eliminate parallax error and calibrate overhang and offset angles.

 

Step-by-Step Alignment Instructions

Proper lateral alignment reduces inner groove distortion (tracking error) and prevents uneven stylus wear.

1. Prep the Cartridge: Securely mount your cartridge onto the tonearm headshell, but keep the screws slightly loose so you can slide and twist the body with gentle pressure.
2. Mount the Protractor: Place the protractor’s pre-drilled spindle hole directly over your turntable's center spindle.
3. Align at Point A: Carefully move the tonearm and rotate the protractor so that the stylus drops exactly onto the center grid target labeled "Point A". Use the mirrored reflection underneath to ensure the cantilever (the thin rod holding the needle) and the sides of the cartridge body run perfectly parallel to the printed grid lines.
4. Check at Point B: Lift the tonearm, shift the grid, and drop the stylus onto "Point B". Check if the cartridge body is still perfectly square with the cross lines.
5. Adjust and Lock: If it is misaligned at either point, gently rotate or slide the cartridge forward/backward in the headshell until it matches both alignment grids perfectly. Once parallel at both points, carefully hold the cartridge still and tighten down the mounting screws.