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Vpi 3d Tonearm - Counterweight fitment

Question for anybody that owns a turntable with one of the 3d arms.

How well does the counterweight fit?

I have an issue... But not sure if it is an issue. The diameter of the hole on the counterweight is almost 2mm larger that the outside diameter of the back of the Tonearm. This means that the fitment of the counterweight is very loose since there is literally a 1mm gap all the way around. This makes setting tracking force and azimuth almost impossible.

The thumbscrew they included is useless, since you really have to crank it down through the insert just to make contact with the Tonearm.

Vpi sent me another counterweight but it is identical, same issue. Their solution was to send me a set screw with an Allen wrench so I can get more leverage to crank the screw down....

At this price point I'm having a hard time accepting this as a solution. Wondering if this is how these things are supposed to fit?
128x128sydbar81
jjss49's avatar
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jjss49
6,612 posts
 
@sydbar81 and @slaw

that is what i was getting at as well

these 3d arms are ’printed’ off a computer program spec -- a small slip up in the entry of a diameter or some other dimension is easy to do, then what comes out of the resin printer is off

i have had stupid QC issues with VPI before... so not out of the question this happens
slaw's avatar
slaw
21,778 posts
 
Agreed @jjss49. I measured mine, it is 1/2" OD. (outside diameter).
sydbar81's avatar
sydbar81 OP
5 posts
 
Thank you all, this is what I figured. I am going back to vpi with this info to get a replacement Tonearm. Since I have already tried 2 counterweights with them I would have to assume it's the Tonearm.
slaw's avatar
slaw
21,778 posts
 
I think they know that.
richmon
245 posts
 
I have the same issue but not to the degree you're having. Seems I have to adjust the tracking force every two months or so, the tightening thumbscrew on the counterweight is 'self mis adjusting' on a periodic basis, didn't consider it might be the tonearm.. hmmm.
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