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Questions on Overhang/Cartridge Alignment using Dr Feikert Protractor on VPI Classic 3

So I recently bought a used VPI Classic 3 that came with a low hours Soundsmith Zephyr 2 cartridge.

I wanted to make setup as accurate as possible so I bought the Dr Feikert Protractor.
I first make sure that the Spindle to Pivot length was correct which I read online was supposed to be 258mm.

See pic below.


This was measured by taking off the tonearm and measuring exactly from the spindle to the bare sharp point of the unipivot point.
After that was done I mounted the cartridge to the arm and got the step 1 in perfect bullseye.



Step 2 however is where things get off.   I'm coming up about 2 mm long on step 2.



Step 3 is also off as its about 1.25 mm short of the line.

Here is a shot showing approximately the location of all 3 points.



Any ideas on what I can do to fix this where it hits all 3.   I'm at a loss being that the Spindle to Pivot point is right on at the 258mm length which i was told is correct for the VPI Classic tables.
Thanks for any assistance you can provide.
newguru
wlutke
724 posts
 
No, no, no, It’s not your imagination. The instructions are totally vague. I didn’t get it right the first time either with my VPI unipivot, Feickert 2 and Soundsmith cartridge. Glad you got it now.
lewm
12,972 posts
 
Agree that the Feickert is a great protractor but the instructions are poor, as per my mention that the markings on the spiral gauges, to be used to set effective length, are in terms of P2S distance.  It's easy to keep that in mind, if you do an alignment every day or even once a week.  Not so easy if you use it once a year.
chakster's avatar
chakster
6,144 posts
 
When you finished with step-1 with given PS distance (and your cart is alignet accordingly) YOU HAVE TO ROTATE THE PLATTER a little bit to put the needle tip on a target (cross) doing step-2 and step-3. Just read the manual. Without moving the platter you can’t do all steps. I have and use Dr.Feickert protractor.

Last 2 steps are not for overhang, they are for cantilever alignment, it must be in line, you might have to twist your cartridge body doing step-2,3.

tablejockey
3,882 posts
 
What chakster suggests  is correct.

I use the Feikert for my Classic. After step 1 you must rotate the platter in order to align the cantilever with the grid in step 2/3.

Incidentally,  with the supplied VPI jig, I can't hear a  noticeable difference vs.  Feikert, though the science behind Baerwald suggests it's "better."
Try all 4(3,if you don't have the jig)and report back. Some owners insist the VPI jig is inferior.

It's a heck of a lot easier to use. Can't hear a difference with the anti skate as well.




mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
I never looked at the Feikert closely but the grids are vague. I know the SmarTractor is something like twice as expensive but it is vastly superior and intuitive. I think most of you would not even have to read the instructions. Each alignment has it's own grid and there is a tiny detent where the stylus goes. The surface is mirrored. Seeing the cantilever from all angles is easy. I did not even have to use the magnifier. If you can see through to afford it, it is most definitely worth it. If you change cartridges frequently there is no better way to go.  

Good for you wlutke for figuring it out. It is all about overhang and offset angle.
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