2. analog
  3. 1314540374

VPI Tonearm connector wire and record tracking

I have found that the bend in the connector wire from the tonearm to the junction box has a MAJOR influence on the trackability of the tonearm. it has tons to do with how the stylus tracks or SKATES across the record. If this BEND is not in an optimum position (that changes all the time as the tonearm tracks across the record), it will dramatically affect how the arm/stylus tracks the record especially on the inner grooves. I find myself bending this wire back towards the platter as it will bend away away from the platter in time. Has anyone else made this observation? Is their anywhere else this wire could have been located to have lass impact on tracking? It is my observation that the arm would sound much better if this wire were located someplace else.
tzh21y

Showing 3 responses by stringreen

stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,494 posts
 
I have both the 9 incher and the 10.5i, and haven't found the wire to negatively influence the sound on either arm. I supposed the best possible connection is no connection at all (bluetooth?), but I am very satisfied with the sound I get from my arms. ...just thinking about it, they are both Valhalla wired, and perhaps the copper wire would have an influence...something I can't comment upon.
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,494 posts
 
I agree completely with Bifwynne. As for MY setup, I do use a bit of anti-skate with the mechanical gizmo. I found the wire twisting technique not for me, since the springiness of the wire diminishes over time. Cartridge setup is a huge pain in the mule, but if carefully done correctly, the VPI is really a good arm. I found Benz, Dynas, and Soundsmith cartridges have the least problems with the arm, however, almost any cartridge can be accommodated. Mike at VPI is the go to guy to help with any problems. I am using a Benz LP-S which is one extraordinary cartridge. I hear things on my 40 year old records, I never heard before. For those that are interested, I had a Benz LP (original - not an S) that I traded into Musical Surroundings for the LP-S. The upgrade is HUGE.
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,494 posts
 
The VPI arm's wire exits from the front of the unipivot bearing housing and thus has a built in side thrust compensation factor even without the twist of the cable. As the arm travels across the record, the loop is condensed so the natual spring of the cable will push the arm toward the beginning of the record. I imagine the effect is slight however.
More to discover