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
I think the I am just realizing the limitations of my table. I am getting used to listening to a friends which does no such thing. It is an amazing tracking table with a Mission Mechanic tonearm. I have not used my new cartridge on my current table as I am worried about it not tracking properly. Maybe my stylus is getting worn. It was tacking decent but I am afraid to put the Lyra on this arm. I find it hard to believe that I am just wearing out styluses this quickly. I put the glider on this spring, it sounded great, still does, just does not track the inner grooves like it used to. I am getting sibilance and tracking error on the extreme inner grooves. Maybe I need a gimbal arm
Tzh21y, if you checked all the specs I mentioned above, I would call Mike at VPI before throwing the towel in. The uni-pivot set-up can be a PITA, but when it works, it's great!! If you check my OPs, you will see that I suffered with the set up for quite a bit of time. I went through 3 different cartridges before settling on the Sound Smith VPI Zephyr. Another cartridge that works well is the Dynavector 20X2 M (specially designd for the VPI table). I'm sure there are many others.

I assume you've made a significant investment in your TT. Call Mike and see if he can help you.

Good luck
I agree completely with Bifwynne. As for MY setup, I do use a bit of anti-skate with the mechanical gizmo. I found the wire twisting technique not for me, since the springiness of the wire diminishes over time. Cartridge setup is a huge pain in the mule, but if carefully done correctly, the VPI is really a good arm. I found Benz, Dynas, and Soundsmith cartridges have the least problems with the arm, however, almost any cartridge can be accommodated. Mike at VPI is the go to guy to help with any problems. I am using a Benz LP-S which is one extraordinary cartridge. I hear things on my 40 year old records, I never heard before. For those that are interested, I had a Benz LP (original - not an S) that I traded into Musical Surroundings for the LP-S. The upgrade is HUGE.
I prefer the twist, am using a Zephyr on a 10.5i armtube that does incorporate the kludgy AS mechanism (which I don't use, didn't know Peter recommended it).

An easier way to adjust wire tension I've used for a while is to get all parameters set (VTA, VTF, azimuth, overhang). Then ball up a wad of Mortite (plumber's putty) that is just heavy enough to float the arm when it is stuck onto the back end of the armtube, and adjust the connector to the point where the arm is just drifting toward the outside of the record. Works for me.

BTW, I love that Zephyr cartridge and really appreciated its built in stylus guard when our earthquake struck while I was playing a record. Caught it on the third bounce and expected the worst, but it was fine.