Accurate spirit levels for analog set up, any recommendations?

[spiritofmusic]

Are there any really good reliable spirit levels for tt/arm setup? I've been plagued w cheap ones that don't agree w each other.

I'm looking especially for small circular ones, 1-2" diameter, that I can place on my platter at the adjustment points/feet. Looking for heavy ones in particular, not lightweight plastic.

 

[Solypsa]

I had a page bookmarked with just such a thing....will try and find it.

Search machinist levels...iirc it wasn't a Starrett but they are a big name.

 

[spiritofmusic]

I'm just having a couple of issues that I'm sure are related to level, but cheap levels are creating more issues than they solve.

Thanks Solypsa, any links helpful. I'll certainly Google "machinist level".

 

[bazelio]

This one is my go to. I've tried a few. It's very sensitive:

https://www.leveldevelopments.com/p...lar-vial-39-5mm-transparent-sensitivity-15mm/

 

[spiritofmusic]

Which one, Bazelio?

 

[bazelio]

Updated the link. Very sensitive at 1 degree per 5mm.

 

[spiritofmusic]

Bazelio, thanks, that looks just the ticket.

 

[spiritofmusic]

Bazelio, any more traditional long spirit levels akin to this quality you'd advise?

The circular ones are great for my platter, plinth and Stacore platform. But I need a long one to pop onto the horizontal gantry that my air arm slides along.

6" long is fine.

 

[bazelio]

Starrett would be the general recommendation there.

 

[perart1]

Starrett would be the general recommendation there.

Marc, you may want to look at Level Developments in the UK. I bought a 12" precision level (used to set up lathe beds) that I use to set up my Table and approximate my TT and then and a 2 Axis inclinometer for fine tweaking.

 

[Blue58]

Bazelio, any more traditional long spirit levels akin to this quality you'd advise?

The circular ones are great for my platter, plinth and Stacore platform. But I need a long one to pop onto the horizontal gantry that my air arm slides along.

6" long is fine.

You could try a spirit level app for your phone. The one I use on my iPad is very sensitive and works in both directions rather like a round bubble level. I also have a seismometer app than is a good tool to check isolation of components with music playing. You may find out how much your Zus are impacting your TT.
Cheers

 

[Nemal1]

Avid make a great level which also includes a 45rpm adapter and weighs 180grams, same as a decent lp.
Excellently made and very accurate.
If you want to pay really expensive, Len Gregory the cartridge man sells a digital level as opposed to the bubble in the avid

 

[PeterA]

This one is my go to. I've tried a few. It's very sensitive:

https://www.leveldevelopments.com/p...lar-vial-39-5mm-transparent-sensitivity-15mm/

I have one made by Ortofon which looks very similar. It is excellent for confirming if a platter, speaker, or platform is level.

https://www.frontrowelectronics.com...MI2dXxh86Q4AIVQV8NCh00fwSHEAQYBCABEgJi3_D_BwE

 

[spiritofmusic]

Thanks one and all. I'm at the beginning of the end of final analog optimisation. The right levels will be the right tools for the job.

Or am I at the end of the beginning? I think this is more accurate, I'm finally getting a proper appreciation of classical lps. And I know a thoroughly dialled in analog setup is more critical than ever. Hence the plea for help on spirit levels.

 

[bazelio]

I have one made by Ortofon which looks very similar. It is excellent for confirming if a platter, speaker, or platform is level.

https://www.frontrowelectronics.com...MI2dXxh86Q4AIVQV8NCh00fwSHEAQYBCABEgJi3_D_BwE

That level is also available on Amazon for $15, without the Ortofon logo. It is less sensitive than the leveldevelopments piece. I think I paid all of $20 bucks for it shipped from the UK, but I did get the plastic version. I had no need for the metal version.

Link to the generic "Ortofon" level:
https://www.amazon.com/Driak-Aluminium-Precision-Bullseye-Accuracy/dp/B072M4Y74T/

 

[Ron Resnick]

Marc, I am a huge fan of Starrett levels. I think two of these perpendicular to each other are more accurate than round levels.

http://www.starrett.com/category/pr...isplayMode=grid&itemsPerPage=12&sortBy=wp/asc

 

[Audiophile Bill]

You could try a spirit level app for your phone. The one I use on my iPad is very sensitive and works in both directions rather like a round bubble level. I also have a seismometer app than is a good tool to check isolation of components with music playing. You may find out how much your Zus are impacting your TT.
Cheers

Told him same thing

 

[bonzo75]

Surely if you two tell Marc the same thing you cannot be right

 

[bonzo75]

Also, he does not use a smart phone

 

[Ron Resnick]

This one is my go to. I've tried a few. It's very sensitive:

https://www.leveldevelopments.com/p...lar-vial-39-5mm-transparent-sensitivity-15mm/

This looks great!

I called Level Developments. They sell them only in lots of 50 units. They will not sell one to me directly. In typically (in my personal experience living in London for two years) unhelpful English fashion the sales department had absolutely no idea where I could buy a single example of this product of theirs on planet Earth.

All the sales department could do is refer me to a company in the USA called McMaster Carr. I spoke with them, and they do not carry this particular circular level.

Do you have any idea where to order one?