Each kit includes (4) bolts and (4) nuts. Includes a 2.0 mm Allen Key. Hex-bolts and nuts are made of alloy to prevent "fluxing" of the cartridge coil.
(4) Bolts - (4) Nuts - (1) Allen key
(2) 2.5mm x .45 x 10mm S/S Metric socket head bolts
(2) 2.5mm x .45 x 16mm S/S Metric socket head bolts
Tight grip and solid torque. Using a 2mm Hex Allen Key (supplied), the cartridge can be torque down tight and flat, but please don't strip or crack a plastic cartridge - Dedicated Audio is not responsible for excessive violence. A firm and tight torque maintains mechanical stability and allow vibration from stylus to escape smoothly, improving resolution and bass response.
Correct torque along the pick-up system (cartridge-tonearm-armboard) is critical for maximum mechanical performance. A torque screwdriver is ideal for such application, in lacking of a torque screwdriver, here are some suggestions:
1.Tighten the cartridge hex bolt. Rotate until resistance is felt, then continue another 3/4 rotation to tighten, never too tight. Make sure that there is no surface deflection in either cartridge mounting area or headshell area. The tightness is just 'finger tight' - you should be able to do this with fingers twisting the hex key to prevent excessive application of force.
2. Make sure that the VTA locking screw is tight, but not too tight. When VTA screw is too tight, the bass will become constricted, and midrange/treble becomes too brittle sounding, Correct torque/tightness is 'hand tight', or 7-9 lbf/in.
3. The arm base tightness - tight but not too much. For Rega arm, the ideal tightness is just slightly over what's necessary stop the arm from rotating. For Linn or other arms where bolts are used, the bolts should be 'hand tight', about 7-9 lbf/in. Also, make sure the armboard should not be deflected as a result of tightening the bolts.
