Post by Owen Y on Jul 17, 2018 13:20:35 GMT 12
A useful tool for record playing but maybe also other uses generally in audio? Recently I bought a few of these wee bubble levels - I bought 3pcs in case there was some variation in accuracy & needed to sort a good one (matching say my Stabila 250mm level). However, accuracy is very good, compared with the Stabila (given what you can accurately assess visually with such a small bubble level). www.aliexpress.com/snapshot/0.html?spm=a2g0s.9042647.0.0.1d504c4daeV0hZ&orderId=506079596604711&productId=32788556337 I bought them primarily for (roughly) checking azimuth but I find it to be v handy & reassuring to check VTA & azimuth and/or when quickly roughing up cartridge azimuth/VTA before final tweaking by ear.   For interest, (part of) my collection of small spirit levels (a small 80mm string-line type spirit level seems to have gone AWOL for the moment  ) - the Stabila 81SM 250mm - a round level that came with the Trans-Fi TT - the recently acquired AliExcpress small ones 
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Post by Owen Y on Jul 17, 2018 13:26:45 GMT 12
A lot less time-consuming than using a proprietary tool such as these: Lots of crouching, eye-squinting with magnifier, aiming lamps.....etc etc etc   Or using my own DIY version: 
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Post by Owen Y on Jul 17, 2018 13:35:52 GMT 12
Yes I know, the mass of the bubble level itself (0.64g) will affect VTA, but it gets you well in the ballpark & no problem for azimuth. I've seen one of these permanently mounted onto a headshell - but I don't think I'll do that.
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Post by Graham on Jul 17, 2018 14:22:26 GMT 12
I bought a set of 3 some time ago for the same purpose and found them surprisingly accurate.
Mine were approximately 14mm, 10mm and 6mm.
The 14mm sits permanently on the armboard of my TD125, I gave away the 10mm, and I cant find the 6mm !
I think it was devoured by the vacuum cleaner.
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Post by Owen Y on Jul 17, 2018 14:38:57 GMT 12
And.... it's all assuming that your platter is dead levelled first! 
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Post by Citroen on Jul 17, 2018 16:33:49 GMT 12
A couple of years ago I bought a pack of 10 of those small 15mm levels. I keep one on an armboard, one on the arm and a 3cm one on another arm board. Every now and then I put the level on the platter to make sure it's still level. I also have one of those acrylic VTA boards. As long as the bottom of the bubble level is dead flat and of course what its sitting on, I think they're quite accurate. Excuse the dusty pics!   
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Post by michaelw on Jul 17, 2018 16:45:11 GMT 12
where did you guys get those vta blocks from ?
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Post by cooksferry on Jul 17, 2018 16:50:47 GMT 12
They're all over E Bay. My one has black lines, not very good against a black carbon fibre arm. I have had one of those little bubble levels for some years but have always been reluctant to place it on the headshell in case the extra weight damages the cantilever/suspension . Unfounded concern?
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Post by Citroen on Jul 17, 2018 16:51:12 GMT 12
It would've been Ebay or Aliexpress. Can't remember exactly but I think it was about $6 posted.
The bubbles were only $3.79 for 10 from Ebay, two years ago.
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Post by Owen Y on Jul 17, 2018 17:01:46 GMT 12
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Post by Citroen on Jul 17, 2018 17:09:51 GMT 12
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Post by Citroen on Jul 17, 2018 17:21:17 GMT 12
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Post by michaelw on Jul 17, 2018 18:43:11 GMT 12
thanks cliff, that's a fancy level. my vintage one 
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Post by Citroen on Jul 17, 2018 19:16:01 GMT 12
It was just a cheap one from Bunnings.
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Member
Post by logic6 on Dec 24, 2019 22:34:44 GMT 12
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Post by Owen Y on Dec 25, 2019 20:51:50 GMT 12
This is a top quality engineering 'metrology' grade tool - a few hundred $$ ea. Probably OTT for a TT. I use a 250mm level (yellow Stabila above ~$70) - good enough for TT plinths & non-suspended platters. For a suspended platter, best to use a lighter weight spirit or bubble level.
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Post by Citroen on Jan 16, 2020 12:34:00 GMT 12
Latest Darko vid reminded me of the old ballbearing trick.
Use a ball bearing and if all is level it shouldn't roll (assuming a fairly smooth friction free surface).
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Post by cartridgeguyonline on Jan 16, 2020 16:44:13 GMT 12
I have a Starrett, lovely piece of kit but heavy so of limited use really. (on a suspended table at least)
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Post by Citroen on Jan 16, 2020 17:10:31 GMT 12
What's a "Starrett"?
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Post by cartridgeguyonline on Jan 16, 2020 18:44:33 GMT 12
A really nice engineering type level.
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Post by andrewp on Jan 16, 2020 19:59:55 GMT 12
Ah the little bubble...tiny pocket of air in a filled vial... man alive we pay WAY too much attention to them things in sooooo many applications!! Ive fired a .22 target rifle at a relatively high level for 30 odd years and now a compound archery bow. Both disiciplines use them on their front sight and in both sports they have a purpose. BUT... are they as important as the majority of us think they are..??...I would say no. Theres all too much emphasis placed on them and Im sure this applies to audio aw well!! Obviously a tt sitting on a lean is not ideal but does it have to be mm perfect..? Doubt it!!
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Pundit
Post by neilsan on Jan 16, 2020 20:26:34 GMT 12
Yes it does, and no,I'm not going to level your massive slab!
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Post by Owen Y on Jan 16, 2020 20:41:52 GMT 12
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Post by andrewp on Jan 16, 2020 20:56:12 GMT 12
Fairly sure I can use a level..lol
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