VPI JMW 12.5 counterweight upgrade


Adjusting the azimuth on the VPI with the off-set counter weight is challenging: altering the azimuth often shifts the weight along the shaft and alters the VTA. I found a reasonably priced counter weight replacement that allows for relatively easy setting of VTA and azimuth, independently. I also discovered a sonic improvement over the VPI counter weight.

The product is manufactured and designed by an engineer in the UK. It seems that he designed his initial counter weight for the Hadcock tonearm and expanded to other unipivot arms. His product is on Ebay and is called the XTCW.
redglobe
Stringreen,

Yes, I have really tried the XTCW counter weight on the VPI 12.5 arm. I too was very pleased with the 12.5, as it was. However, I experienced the benefits of the XTCW on a Hadcock and figured it should do the same on the 12.5. It did just that.

The 12.5 is a great sounding tonearm. However, the XTCW brought up the performance. Like so much of high end equipment, it is exceptional. Periodically, you find something that augments a great product. This is what I discovered.

Sarcher30: On Ebay, search under XTCW. Click on one of the products, then click on the sellers other items. It should appear on the second page XTCW VPI JMW12.5 tonearm UPGRADE COUNTERWEIGHT - NON EU & EXPORT PRICE.

I agree, I didn't think it was aesthetically appealing. However, once in place and I experienced the sonic improvement I appreciated the engineering simplicity.
Who cares what it looks like,the bass improvement and top end clarity are amazing,it certainly fixes an inherent fault with the VPI dropped weight.
Neil, I read some of the feedback on Ebay. It appears that others have discovered the substantive sonic improvements that we have with the XTC. I am glad you gave it a try and published your results.
I would interested in results from any A-goners using an Alphason Hr100s arm and the XTC 133gm counterweight. From a design and engineering perspective the lower design of the counterweight does make sense. I have a hunch the results may be along the same lines, however have not had a chance to see any reviews or feedback regarding this combination.