Answers | Q&A (Week of 6.30.25)

Exploring differences in stylus alignment methods

Question:

What, if any, changes would I get by changing the stylus alignment on my Technics SL1200G from the Technics stylus alignment tool to either a Baerwald or Lofgren alignment?

—MICHAEL HENN

Answer:

The basic difference in alignments is where, on the record surface, from outer grooves to inner grooves, harmonic distortion is minimized or maximized.

• Baerwald or Lofgren A alignments try for a balanced approach, where 3 maximum distortion points have the same level of distortion. These points are roughly: the outermost grooves, the innermost grooves, and a point about 2/3 of the way into the grooves (between outer and inner).

• Lofgren B alignments have lower harmonic distortion for the middle part of the groove area (lower from roughly 70mm from spindle to about 115 mm from spindle), but slightly higher harmonic distortion in the inner and outer groove area (60 – 70mm from spindle and 115 – 145 mm).

• Stevenson alignments (which is what the Technics protractor aims for) have the lowest…