AnalogMagik Cartridge Alignment System v2

Description

MY TAKE: Truly revolutionary, the Analog Magik system is a software-based method of cartridge alignment and calibration offering an unparalleled level of accuracy and consistency. This system has given us the ability to micro-tune analog setups like never before. We are truly amazed at the resits! - Galen Carol

AnalogMagik is a Windows-based turntable/cartridge calibration software designed by Richard H. Mak and a team of engineers. It offers a scientific and repeatable method of calibrating every cartridge setup parameter.

Measured Parameters:

• Turntable Speed
• Azimuth
• Vertical Tracking Angle / Stylus Raking Angle
• Anti-Skating
• Optimizing Phono Stage Loading
• Optimizing Phono Stage Gain Setting
• Vertical Tracking Force
• Measuring Vibrations
• Determining Resonance Frequencies
• AES Wow & Flutter

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After you have performed a basic alignment on your turntable's cartridge using an appropriate alignment protractor (we recommend the SmartTractor or Feickert, purchased separately), the software and test LPs will help you optimize and fine-tune all the above setup parameters to achieve a more accurate analog cartridge setup. Simply follow the onscreen instructions, and the program will guide you through all the test functions. It will also tell you what "optimal" numbers to look for, and what cartridge adjustments you need to make to get there. AnalogMagik comes with the software program, a license USB key, and 2 Test LPs (33 1/3 & 45 rpm).  

How is AnalogMagik different from other tools on the market? Nearly all available tools on the market will fine tune only one or two specific parameters in isolation. For example, there many tools which will allow you to determine azimuth, but they will leave out anti-anti-skating, vertical tracking Angle, and vertical tracking force - all which influence one another and need to be considered as a group.

​How does AnalogMagik achieve an optimal setup? We believe an optimal setup is one which allows for the accurate retrieval of recording signals. This requires minimizing distortion levels in not just one, but ALL the setup parameters. Setup parameters such as VTA, VTF, Azimuth, Anti-skating, etc.- they are all dependent and inter-related to each other, and no parameter can be optimized in isolation. A truly optimal setup can only be achieved with settings that deliver low distortion numbers on not just one, but as many parameters as possible. 

For example, assuming you discovered that the optimal Azimuth angle requires you to tilt the cartridge by 2 degree, but as a result, causes a degradation to VTA/SRA, Anti-Skating, and VTF readings, AnalogMagik will not consider this as the optimal setup.    But if you tilt the cartridge by only 1 degree which causes a slight degradation to azimuth readings, but if this will improve VTA/SRA, VTF, and Anti-skating readings, this in our opinion, is a more optimal setup because it takes into account multiple setup parameters as a whole, without over emphasizing on one specific parameter. Only a tool which can perform scientific and repeatable methods on ALL parameters will allow you to do this, using a consistent method based on scientific measurements. 

AnalogMagik - Not Just an Ordinary Distortion Analyzer - If you own hardware-based distortion analyzers or computer based Oscilloscopes & Spectrum Analyzers, why do you need AnalogMagik? Any distortion analyzer can compute data, you can probably duplicate some of our test functions using the myriads of computer and hardware-based analyzers out there. Many of them are free. However, all of them will lack the most important thing: the complex algorithm, proprietary filtering and mathematical averaging required to analyze data coming from the TEST LPs designed to work with our algorithms. Knowing how to interpret such data in a meaningful way, is a very difficult task. An ordinary distortion analyzer does not have the appropriate filtering to deliver consistent and repeatable results. Just throw in a slightly warped record and your results will be off.
 

AnalogMagik contains proprietary complex algorithms built into the programming and specific settings to account for the following:

• A proper sampling rate
• A proper sampling period
• Complex filtering for noise, clicks & pops, and statics
• Complex mathematical averaging
• Incorporate the effects of warp records, and off centered spindle holes
• Mathematical standard deviation
• Eliminate the detrimental effects of line electric noise
• Eliminate the effects of hum
   

Do not be surprised to see slightly different results when you use AnalogMagik vs other distortion analyzers. Our complex programming will greatly improve the accuracy and consistency of the results, which an ordinary distortion analyzer will not do for you. We have spent thousands of hours perfecting the special algorithm specifically designed to work with the signals on our test LPs. The tracks on the LP are also strategically located at certain locations optimized for certain signals. 

In our laboratory, we have utilized $ 35,000 laboratory grade hardware distortion analyzers to perform the same tests, but the results are less stable and less repeatable than AnalogMagik, because the trick lies in the proprietary mathematical algorithms. Without them, you can spend hundreds of hours with an ordinary computer analyzer simply to establish a correlation. In other words, we have done the hard work so that you won't have to.    

The AnalogMagik kit includes 2 Test LPs - Both 33 1/3 rpm & 45 rpm pressed on 180g virgin vinyl. Why do we give you both a 33 1/3 rpm and a 45 rpm Test LP? The forces experienced by a cartridge's stylus, is different under different turntable speeds.  For example, under 45 rpm, the dragging force is greater than when under 33 1/3 rpm, which will cause the VTA/SRA angle to change ever so slightly. A faster speed will also increase Centripetal Force, which may require a slightly different Anti-skating as well as Azimuth setting. For those with multiple tonearms and cartridges, a 45 rpm test LP will allow users to optimize a specific arm/cartridge combination to play 45 rpm records. 

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Establishing Correlation, & Obtaining Meaningful Results: The most import element in cartridge setup is to establish a correlation between a change you make, versus the results displayed on screen, or an audible sonic change. Some adjustment parameters involved highly sensitive measurements which are influenced by a number of factors such as Speed, Azimuth, or Wow & Flutter, while others do not always yield a strong correlation (VTA & VTF). This is highly dependent on cartridge quality, tonearm design, as well as the inherent noise level of the system. While AnalogMagik does guarantee meaningful results can be obtained in all parameters, optimizing as many as possible will result in a more accurate setup.  

REVIEWS:

Stereo Sound Magazine, Sept 2018:  "The tool has become a necessity for getting the most out of analog playback.  We have become real fans of the tool and would sincerely like to see people use it to the full extend."                                                           

AudioArt Magazine, Jul 2018: "AnalogMagik ,...... it has the makings of a revolutionary product with potential in altering the future course of the vinyl industry" 

Winner of the 2018 Audiohub High End Munich Award for Innovation

Notes: Along with a suitable computer you will need an appropriate phono preamp with analog to digital converter. AnalogMagik recommends a very cost effective option, the ART USB Phono Plus that can be purchased for about $80.
Here is a link to purchase on Amazon, and here from B&H Photo