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VPI Tonearm connector wire and record tracking

I have found that the bend in the connector wire from the tonearm to the junction box has a MAJOR influence on the trackability of the tonearm. it has tons to do with how the stylus tracks or SKATES across the record. If this BEND is not in an optimum position (that changes all the time as the tonearm tracks across the record), it will dramatically affect how the arm/stylus tracks the record especially on the inner grooves. I find myself bending this wire back towards the platter as it will bend away away from the platter in time. Has anyone else made this observation? Is their anywhere else this wire could have been located to have lass impact on tracking? It is my observation that the arm would sound much better if this wire were located someplace else.
tzh21y
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,468 posts
 
I have both the 9 incher and the 10.5i, and haven't found the wire to negatively influence the sound on either arm. I supposed the best possible connection is no connection at all (bluetooth?), but I am very satisfied with the sound I get from my arms. ...just thinking about it, they are both Valhalla wired, and perhaps the copper wire would have an influence...something I can't comment upon.
brf
1,715 posts
 
I don't share your observation. Have you try floating your arm and then play around with the connector wire i.e. twisting and untwisting the wire to observe how much influence the wire actually has on the arm movement? I have no problem with the tracking of my JMW.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
ncarv
983 posts
 
The manual for the 9" VPI tonearm states:

"VPI has a unique solution to anti-skating: the coiled wire of the JMW Memorial Tonearm acts as a spring and pushes the arm back without affecting the sound quality. You now have the option of installing a mechanical anti-skate for those that want it.

-Adjust the counterweight so there is no down force on the cartridge.

-Swing the tonearm toward the spindle and release it. The arm should swing out toward the outer edge of the turntable.

If you try adjusting the anti-skate with a groove less record, you will ruin the twist in the tonearm wire and void your warranty. Do this with the mechanical anti-skate if you want that much anti-skate.

If additional anti-skate is needed you can go to the mechanical anti-skate available from your dealer."

The new manual for the 10" and 12" adds this:

"As mentioned earlier, the arm wire applies the anti-skating force. The degree of force applied can be adjusted, to increase anti-skating force give the connector a counterclockwise twist, unwinding the wires natural twist. Likewise, to decrease the force, give the connector a clockwise twist, winding the wires natural twist. Remember, the Lemo connector can only be 'adjusted' in increments of whole turns. If it is not, its key will not line up with the groove in the receptacle.

If you try adjusting the anti-skate with a grooveless record you will ruin the twist in the wire and void your warrantee.

This is all you need for anti-skating."

So, the wire definitely will affect tracking. It is interesting that the manual for the 9" warns against using a grooveless record to adjust anti-skating, but never says anything about about twisting the wire to adjust anti-skating.

Furthermore, though the manuals basically say to do nothing, it says to twist the wire to adjust anti-skating and that's all you need, but VPI makes and sells a mechanical anti-skate device ($100). I have the mechanical device. It is a kludge, but it works for me better than adjusting the wire.
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