Like Strngreen, I own a Classic 3 JMW 10.5i arm. Mike at VPI has mentioned on several occassions that VPI doesn't really buy in to the mechanical AS device. As far as the tone arm wire is concerned, I would put a very small twist on it when connecting the Lenco connector to the connection block. Less is more.
In my particular case, my cartridge is a VPI Zephyr. Peter Ledermann believe in the mechanical AS device; Mike says VPI doesn't. However, Mike did advise me that as a "rough justice" test, if you see the cantilever assembly deflecting, you may need the AS mechanical device.
The OP makes the following statement about the tone arm wire:
"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."
I have the following responses: First, there is no such thing as an "optimal position" for AS. The amount of AS force on a record and stylus varies all the time. I am not aware of any device that compensates for these variations. Also, as the VPI manual states, VPI does not believe that AS forces dramatically affect the sound of vinyl pkayback. Second, I am concerned that if you keep fiddling with the tone arm wire, either one or both of two things will happen: (1) you will damage the tone arm wire; and/or (2) you will go blind.
OK, seriously, I have a couple of suggestions. Double check the alignment, VTF, VTA and azimuth of your set up.
It is possible that if your cartridge/stylus combo is not compatible with the JMW arm, you may have trackability problems. Pay particular attention to VTF and azimuth!
You don't mention the type of cartridge you are using. Does it match well to the effective mass of the arm?
Also, in my experience, I found that certain cartridges just don't do very well with the unstabilized azimuth configuration of a uni-pivot.
If after checking the set up, you still have a problem, call Mike at VPI. He is incredibly helpful.
Good luck.
In my particular case, my cartridge is a VPI Zephyr. Peter Ledermann believe in the mechanical AS device; Mike says VPI doesn't. However, Mike did advise me that as a "rough justice" test, if you see the cantilever assembly deflecting, you may need the AS mechanical device.
The OP makes the following statement about the tone arm wire:
"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."
I have the following responses: First, there is no such thing as an "optimal position" for AS. The amount of AS force on a record and stylus varies all the time. I am not aware of any device that compensates for these variations. Also, as the VPI manual states, VPI does not believe that AS forces dramatically affect the sound of vinyl pkayback. Second, I am concerned that if you keep fiddling with the tone arm wire, either one or both of two things will happen: (1) you will damage the tone arm wire; and/or (2) you will go blind.
OK, seriously, I have a couple of suggestions. Double check the alignment, VTF, VTA and azimuth of your set up.
It is possible that if your cartridge/stylus combo is not compatible with the JMW arm, you may have trackability problems. Pay particular attention to VTF and azimuth!
You don't mention the type of cartridge you are using. Does it match well to the effective mass of the arm?
Also, in my experience, I found that certain cartridges just don't do very well with the unstabilized azimuth configuration of a uni-pivot.
If after checking the set up, you still have a problem, call Mike at VPI. He is incredibly helpful.
Good luck.