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VPI Uni-Pivit Tone Arms

I have owned a few VPI TT with the uni-pivit arm. My current TT is the VPI classic 3 signature. The uni-pivit arm is wearing me out. The arm is always tilted to one side no matter how I adjust it. I also notice that the sharp point in the arm housing has rounded quite a bit. I remember some time ago when I touched it I would get a sharp prick like a pin sticking me. Now i can run my finger across it without worrying. Is this normal?
Has anyone else notice the tilted arm? Mine is tilted to the left and sometimes the ears (the part that sticks out from the arm housing) touches the base of the housing.

But with all this discomfort, the TT still sounds awesome. But I hate those things about the TT that I pointed out. I owned the vpi classic, scout, and scout 2, and they all have those faults I mentioned that bothers me.

What's your experience with the uni-pivit arms?


almandog
mmai
37 posts
 
almandog,
I don't think replacing tonearm with a 3D arm or adding dual-pivot is your answer because none of these get to the root of your problem.

The cause for the ear (it is called the azimuth weight, BTW) to tilt to one side could be many:
1. The plateform where the TT sits on is not leveled
2. TT itself is not leveled
3. The counterweight is rotated incorrectly.
4. Combination of the above

Also, with the worn-out pivot spike, you will most likely have to replace the bearing cup insert as well.

Hope that helps.
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
One of the Origin Live arms would work very well at a very reasonable price. They are lighter than the Jelco arms and will do better with more compliant cartridges like Lyras. 
rbstehno
1,552 posts
 
I’ve had a few vpi unipivot arms with the last 1 being the 10” 3D arm. They had the funky way of doing antiskating but the newer arms actually come with antiskate setup. The ears are used for balancing the horizontal stance of the arm or just move the counterweight sideways until the arm has perfect horizontal balance. Not sure about your arm, but I know that I could have adopted the dual pivot option to my 3D arm which guarantees that the arm is horizontally perfect. I think it’s a $150 option and the user can put it on
greyman
1 posts
 
To solve the ear ( side/ azimuth weights) from touching the base you can also raise the bearing ( spike ) - it is adjustable. Then Set up your table again as if you just got it.

Well it’s adjustable on the prime so good chance yours is adjustable too. 
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,568 posts
 
@almandog...…………..

I feel for you.  I had the same problem with my VPI Scout and Prime.  I had the Prime for 18 months and probably played 7 or 8 records on it.  Every time I wanted to use the table, I had to play with the arm as it always seemed off.  Finally, I had had enough. I traded in the 18 month old Prime and took a $2000.00 bath on it and purchased the Technics SL1200G.  I could not be happier!  I play vinyl a couple of times a week now and the Technics is truly set and forget.  It's a pleasure to open the dustcover and get ready to play a record without having to move side weights to make the arm level.  When I bought the Prime I was thrilled to have the 3D arm, for about 5 minutes.
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