With respect to the question concerning clamping, I have a Stillpoints LP1, which I use interchangeably on both my VPI Prime and on my SL1200GAE. It makes a difference sometimes, but not on every record. Generally records that are flat and 180 gram or heavier seem less affected by it. I also have a Periphery Ring for the VPI and it definitely makes a difference on any record that is warped. So much so that the Prime is my go to TT for warped records, regardless of any other consideration. At the same time, for records that are not warped I hear no difference is sound with or without the use of the Periphery Ring. In the interests of complete disclosure, my Prime is controlled by Phoenix Engineering Roadrunner/Eagle so speed accuracy and stability are pretty much the same with the ring or without.
With respect to the effect that the 2nd pivot has on the VPI arm it is extremely easy to back the 2nd pivot off and away from the pressure plate once set up to hear and see the difference. It is doubtful that anyone who does this will decide after experimentation that the 2nd pivot does not provide a positive benefit.
With respect to Raul's arguments concerning unipivot tonearms, they are not clear to me, again I find it difficult to understand him, this is a language barrier problem for me, so perhaps I am misunderstanding? Anyway, he seems to be arguing that there is some inherent "problem" with unipivots in the area of stability at the cartridge-stylus interface with the record groove. He states this as a fact, but offers no data. I would like to know what exactly the "problem" is with the data to back it up. I am skeptical that there is any real problem.
With respect to the effect that the 2nd pivot has on the VPI arm it is extremely easy to back the 2nd pivot off and away from the pressure plate once set up to hear and see the difference. It is doubtful that anyone who does this will decide after experimentation that the 2nd pivot does not provide a positive benefit.
With respect to Raul's arguments concerning unipivot tonearms, they are not clear to me, again I find it difficult to understand him, this is a language barrier problem for me, so perhaps I am misunderstanding? Anyway, he seems to be arguing that there is some inherent "problem" with unipivots in the area of stability at the cartridge-stylus interface with the record groove. He states this as a fact, but offers no data. I would like to know what exactly the "problem" is with the data to back it up. I am skeptical that there is any real problem.
