Triplanar Problem

Hi Lew,

We made the same qualification, just in different words. I said that 2.a (rotational position) is dependent on the correctness of 2.b (the jig and its use). You said it's dependent on the position of the mounting holes. Same idea.

I don't see why or how one could ruin the tonearm by rotating the VTA tower, but it's not for the faint of heart to do that.

Agreed.

By the way, measuring twice with an inaccurate mounting jig will not help much.

It will confirm whether the jig was used correctly, which is one possible error that would cause his problem. I agree it won't reveal whether the jig was made correctly.

Both of us have warned about inaccurate jigs, so if his armrest appears correct and his jig was used correctly, the next step would be to get his hands on another jig that's known to be accurate. His dealer or Tri Mai should be able to supply if there are no other TriPlanar owners near.

A known-to-be-accurate jig will reveal whether his mounting holes are correct.

- if they are then the rotational adjustment must be off. Contact dealer/Tri Mai.

- if they're incorrect then he should position the arm at the correct mounting position and recheck spindle-to-pivot.

--- if s-to-p is correct, he can resolve his problem by drilling new holes using the known-to-be-accurate jig.

--- if s-to-p is still off, then he needs to redrill new holes AND deal with the rotational adjustment.

Easier to show with a flow chart than to write.

I think there may be too much play in the lucite jig, especially when the tonearm mounting platform is significantly below the plane of the platter/spindle. Anyway, that seemed to be the source of the inaccuracy of my jig. Sorry if I was redundant; I do see your point.

The plastic jig that Triplanar provides is not accurate. It is off by a significant amount. If you drill your holes based on the jig, you will not get the specified pivot to spindle distance.

Thankfully, Tri can still supply the metal one, originally designed and supplied by Herb Papier, which locates the tonearm via the spindle to pivot distance directly (at least Tri was able to send me one, after I lost mine). That's probably the one to use.

Thanks to Everyone - Some great (and sensible advice) Armrest appears to be exactly as should be - with a slight dogleg away from platter.

The Avid Armboard is at fault - I think the Triplanar holes are in wrong position (spot on with 2b Doug) - Its an "add on" that's bolted to Acutus subchassis (using 4 already predrilled holes for an SME) - then Triplanar attached to 3 holes in armboard - I'd expect Triplanar to sit perfectly in centre of armboard - on closer inspection - its off centre. Using Jig (whether accurate or off) is almost superfluous - I'm relying on Correct S-to-P measurement etc via Avids' predrilled Armboard - there's no way of redrilling anything.I've dismounted arm and armboard is packed up ready to send back so can't check S-to-P measurement (but will be the first thing I'll check with new armboard)

Have spoken with dealer and am awaiting response (and hopefully a New Armboard) Hoping it's this and nothing's wrong with Triplanar geometry. Haven't touched Triplanar itself (bolt underneath etc) - I hope it doesn't need to go back to Tri as a) I'm desperate to play some vinyl (CD player sold a long time ago)and b) It'll have to travel back to US a second time in a month
:-(

It's really frustrating - All appropriate Viton O rings bought, new Discovery cable with XLR's, Yip's Mint Protactor for Acutus/ Triplanar waiting to go - Arrgghh!

As a quick aside - Conrad never rated Triplanar on his Acutus (no idea why - He's always used SME's) - IF (a big If) I was to change TT - what would you suggest? Remember ,I'm in UK and now that the GB pound has nosedived against the US Dollar (Galibiers, Teres etc are therefore out)seems to make sense to buy a TT from this side of the pond. Would you rate better synergy with TP/Uni on an Amazon Ref or an AC Raven? Anything else to consider?

Thanks V Much (Especially Doug - The TP Jedi Master!)

Jonathan