2nd pivot for VPI 3D

It took 15 minutes to install, but about 3 hours of playing with it, essentially to satisfy myself that it was optimized.  I am amazed at the difference this simple modification makes.  I am not one to exaggerate, but here I go.  The bass is better, tighter, better defined.  The delineation of the musicians is greater, sharper focus, better illusion of front to back on live recordings.  I listen to a lot of acoustic jazz, prefer live recordings.  The dual pivot makes the acoustics where the recording was made more apparent.  It is like the difference between my Ortofon 2M Black and my Per Windfeld.  I am just stunned that such a simple thing can make this much difference and have no explanation for it.

I think it would be useful of reviewers of the 2nd pivot let us know which cartridge is being used for evalualtion.  I suspect that the pivot would be more beneficial to low compliance (stiff) cartridges rather than high compliance ones.

That is a good point. My cartridge upon which these comments are made was an Ortofon 2M Mono SE, which is based on the 2M Black.  Lateral compliance is 22 micro meters/mN.  The arm is a metal VPI JMW 10, Series 3.  I have another kit on order for my 3D arm and will probably start with the 2M Black when it arrives because of the similarity of those 2 cartridges.  I am also eager to mount my favorite cartridge, a Per Windfeld, in the dual pivot modified 3D arm.  Later I might try either a Shure V15 or a Stanton 881 or both, who knows?  I have a lot of cartridges.

I'm using a black wrapped 10.5"arm with an Ortofon Cadenza Red.  Next install will be on a 10.5 3D arm with a Cadenza Black. I wanted to start with my lessor cart/arm then work my way up. 

I've been reading everything I could about this mod....it seems to be universally accepted as a pretty significant improvement.   I have a 3D with a Winfield installed, and now am a bit concerned about the question that low compliance cartridges are a better match.   I have never heard that before.  I haven't bought it yet...not because of the cost, but it would be disturbing the setup I now have which sounds good to me.  I'll continue reading these posts