Are you sure you have the "SB2"? Weigh the cartridge. The standard model, at 4 grams, would be likely to have the problem you are experiencing.
If the cart weighs 7.9 grams as advertised, then the problem must lie elsewhere.
The VPI tonearms have, in addition to the counterweight, a fine weight adjustment screw that is accessed and adjusted with an allen wrench on the back end of the arm. Make sure it's not set all the way down into the armwand.
If it's not that, disconnect your anti-skate device to ensure that it's not causing this problem.
If it's not that, make sure the arm is not contacting the arm lift mechanism at all when you lower the needle to the record surface.
Hope this helps.
Tom
If the cart weighs 7.9 grams as advertised, then the problem must lie elsewhere.
The VPI tonearms have, in addition to the counterweight, a fine weight adjustment screw that is accessed and adjusted with an allen wrench on the back end of the arm. Make sure it's not set all the way down into the armwand.
If it's not that, disconnect your anti-skate device to ensure that it's not causing this problem.
If it's not that, make sure the arm is not contacting the arm lift mechanism at all when you lower the needle to the record surface.
Hope this helps.
Tom