Variations of the Micro Seiki MA505 tonearm

Lewm,

On Vinyl Engine there is a copy of the MkIII instruction manual. You do not have VTA on the fly. You have to loosen the lock lever to make the adjustment. There is even a warning to make sure you somehow anchor the arm in the process so it doesn't drop quickly and damage the stylus or record.

On the column of the MkI there is a slanted spiral groove etched into the column. The nub at the end of the lever fits into this groove. So when you slightly loosen the lever, it provides the ability to slide the arm up and down. The danger is the nub is small and if it comes out of the groove the arm will sink quickly.

I imagine you are correct that MS felt the original design was not fool proof enough. So they decided to replace it with something a bit safer.

As for azimuth, it does not appear you can make the adjustment via the headshell. However, can you loosen the screw that tightens the arm tube and rotate the arm tube to make the azimuth adjustment? My Kuzma Stogi allowed for this type of adjustment. Maybe the MkIII provides the same capability.

I'll defer to Clio09 on the VTA on the fly option. It's been about 6 years. I apologize for the misinformation.

From your descriptions, it sounds as if the VTA "on the fly" function is identical to that of the Dynavector DV-507 - a helical slot which is engaged by the wand. As you rotate the wand, it drives the arm up or down.

This is potentially a *very* dangerous arrangement (at least with the DV-507). The temptation is to do it on the fly, and if you unscrew the wand by one turn too many (when unlocking it), CRASH !!! ... with unpredictable consequences.

The good news about this arrangement is that if you're not tempted to adjust on the fly, it still gives you a fine and repeatable adjustment - place arm on rest, unlock lever, perform adjustment, lock lever, and listen.

The azimuth adjustable headshell relates only to arms like the Mk-I which uses a standard headshell (e.g. Sumiko, Artisan, etc.). The removable arm wand on your Mk-III has an integral headshell and does not allow for azimuth adjustment. Of this, I am certain.

Once again, I apologize for generating any confusion about the VTA on the fly. 6 years is a long time.

Cheers,
Thom @ Galibier

Thanks for your input, Thom. Since the VTA is easily adjusted, though not "on the fly", I have no complaint. I do however wish there were a mechanical adjustment for azimuth. I guess I am spoiled by my long term experience with the Wheaton Triplanar.

Hi Lewm,

Yes, having azimuth adjustment (and certainly the user interface of a Triplanar) will ruin you for everything else.

Cheers,
Thom @ Galibier

Clio09, I too considered the possibility that I could adjust azimuth simply by twisting the arm tube where it mates to the rear portion of the mechanism, but alas that does not work. The arm tube needs to be fixed in place by tightening down on a knurled screw; with that screw loose (if you'll pardon the expression) you can wiggle the arm tube a little bit, but you are putting stress on the stationary male contact pins that reside within the rear mechanism. Not a good idea at all. The headshell seems to be held in place by tiny screws under the end of the arm tube. My one last hope is that one can twist the headshell a bit when those screws are loose, but I strongly doubt it.