Recommended Component 2024 – Stereophile
"Hell of a Bargain" Cartridge Alignment Tool
DB Systems DB-10 Protrac lets an amateur do professional phono cartridge alignment. In just three easy steps, the Protrac gives precise alignment for better sound and longer stylus life with any standard phono cartridge and radial tonearm.
"Recommended Component" Honors
Stereophile honored the DB-10 Protrac by awarding it the magazine's coveted Recommend Component status for 2024.
According to Stereophile the Protrac is "JA's preferred alignment protractor. The DBP-10 can be used to gauge alignment accuracy at any point or points between 44 and 153mm from the record spindle. 'A hell of a bargain,' said AD."
Accurate and Easy to Use
No batteries or any kind of power source are needed for operating this precision, extremely useful tool, which is basically a small sheet of translucent plastic with an easy-to-read grid and graphics. The template is placed over the turntable's spindle through a spindle-sized hole in the template and placed against the platter.
The precisely printed alignment grid allows for easy comparison with various angles of the cartridge body, and the two stylus placement dots make the task of pin-point accuracy a simple one. The Protrac accurately measures the lateral tracking error of a mounted cartridge to within one quarter of one degree.
The Protrac includes easy-to-read instructions and comes complete with a durable carrying case.