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VPI Classic Azimuth Seems to Change -- Normal??

I own the VPI Classic with a Classic 3 wand upgrade. The Classic 3 wand is stainless steel and incorporates Valhalla silver wiring. My carty is the VPI Zephyr. My set-up is pretty straightforward.

Here's what I noticed. I was checking aziumth and some other settings. I'm pretty sure that the azimuth changed when I moved the arm to the inner tracks. It was pretty stable in the middle and outer tracks. It seems that the Valhalla wire in some way is twisting the arm causing the change. To try and minimize the effect, I tried not to twist the wire, but to little effect.

Any thoughts, comments or suggestions?
bifwynne
lewm
12,840 posts
 
In which direction did the arm change azimuth? Did the cartridge rotate anti-clockwise? If so, perhaps anti-skate force is a culprit, as Swanny mentioned. You could simply try reducing the anti-skate, as an experiment.
bifwynne OP
2,206 posts
 
Thanks guys. This may be heretical -- but I am not using the VPI AS set up. I was using the VPI suggested twisted wire - rough justice approach. That is until I relaxed the wire because of the torque issue.

Actusreus, I use a tiny bubble level that is made for cartridge set ups. It's probably 45 years old. Short of using an oscilliscope, it's probably the most accurate way to check azimuth.

Swanny, I'm not sure I understand your suggestion. If I am not using the AS device, is the suggestion relevent?

I sent Mike an e mail. I'm not sure he'll be around. The pre-recorded phone message said something to the effect that Mike and others may be at RMAF.

Thanks again.
redglobe
223 posts
 
Hi Bifwynne, I keep my wires in the neutral position so there is no counter twist. Also, I substituted the VPI drop-style weight for XTCW counterweight through Ebay (seller JCLOVESmusic - United Kingdom). It has a much lower center of gravity than the VPI, thereby, creating greater azimuth stability. The improvement in sound reproduction was pronounced.
macster
64 posts
 
Interesting, as was stated above did you twist the wire slightly to set the anti skating? Also, what did you use to measure the azimuth? I use an angle protractor to measure the distance from the bottom of the record to the azimuth rod (on both sides of the azimuth rod.

brf
1,715 posts
 
The VPI tonearm wires can be a bit stiff and has a memory i.e. the wire always attempts to return to its previous state.

To eliminate wire memory, used a hair dryer set to low and heat up the wire to relax the insulation and remove the previous wire memory. With the wire heated, I was able to create a more neutral loop and the wire remained more supple.
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