VPI Classic Azimuth Seems to Change -- Normal??

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.

Bifwynne,

Slight changes in the azimuth are normal across the record as any warps, however slight, will alter the angle at which the cartridge interfaces with the record's surface. In my opinion, I'm not sure how realistic it is to expect to be able to maintain a perfect setting across the entire record surface. I set mine in the middle of the record and don't obsess about the rest of the surface. I'm also still not sure how you go about measuring the azimuth (did you use one, or different records, did you measure in the same spot, etc.?)

Perhaps more importantly, why on earth would you be messing with the Valhalla wiring when you have the anti-skate device on the Classic? The wire twist method is only for those VPI tables that don't have the anti-skate device, and for those owners who are just too OCD not to have any anti-skating applied. I actually removed the anti-skate thingy from my Classic as I found that it sounded best without any anti-skate (which Harry also suggests). Now you have hair dryers going to undo what was completely unnecessary in the first place. Oy vey, as Mike would say...

Actureus, I never used the VPI AS set-up. Instead, I may have lightly twisted the wire. As stated above, it could be "wire/insulation" memory. Kinda makes sense. At this point, I think there's no twist in the wire.

In response to the Q about how I check azimuth -- I have a tiny bubble level which I place length-wise accross the top of the head shell. In other words, the bubble level is length-wise perpendicular to the front of the head shell, directly over the midpoint of the cartridge. I also check the azimuth in 3 spots: inner, middle and outer tracks.

As I said, the middle and inner tracks are perfect; it's the inner track that torques to one side. I don't remember which way -- clockwise or counter-clockwise.

I sent a message to Mike at VPI. He said that he would check into the anomolie when he gets back from RMAF. He quipped that I was being just a bit OCD, but then added, he would be too. LOL

I'll report back when I hear from Mike.

P.S. -- next TT will be fixed gimbal.

Harry prefers and recommends no anti-skating, and I, after listening for a year with anti-skating engaged as a principle, now also prefer the sound without anti-skating once I gave it a listen. Perhaps the rigidity of the tonearm wire provides enough anti-skating, I'm not sure, but I'm now in Harry's anti anti-skating camp.

Regarding the azimuth, did you try several records to ensure it's indeed the tonearm, not irregularities in the record? And most importantly, can you hear the variations in the azimuth?

Actusreus, yes . . . I tested the azimuth on several records. Same results. The answer to whether I can hear a difference: not really. Doesn't say much for my auditory acuity I suppose. I'm not going to obsess about this, but I am curious what Mike comes back with.

As I said before in other threads, I appreciate the build quality of VPI turntables. However, I think the unstabilized nature of the uni-pivot can present issues.