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VPI JMW 12.5 counterweight upgrade

Adjusting the azimuth on the VPI with the off-set counter weight is challenging: altering the azimuth often shifts the weight along the shaft and alters the VTA. I found a reasonably priced counter weight replacement that allows for relatively easy setting of VTA and azimuth, independently. I also discovered a sonic improvement over the VPI counter weight.

The product is manufactured and designed by an engineer in the UK. It seems that he designed his initial counter weight for the Hadcock tonearm and expanded to other unipivot arms. His product is on Ebay and is called the XTCW.
redglobe
redglobe OP
223 posts
 
Neil, I read some of the feedback on Ebay. It appears that others have discovered the substantive sonic improvements that we have with the XTC. I am glad you gave it a try and published your results.
tubed1
161 posts
 
I would interested in results from any A-goners using an Alphason Hr100s arm and the XTC 133gm counterweight. From a design and engineering perspective the lower design of the counterweight does make sense. I have a hunch the results may be along the same lines, however have not had a chance to see any reviews or feedback regarding this combination.
myles_b_astor's avatar
myles_b_astor
134 posts
 
Hmmm...couldn't find it when searched ebay today under xtcw.
redglobe OP
223 posts
 
Myles and Tuded1, the Ebay vendor is JCLOVESMUSIC. He has a listing for XTC VARIABLE MASS 85-146gm COUNTERWEIGHT REGA, NAD, FUNK FIRM F.XR etc. TONEARMS. This seems to replace the many customized models that he used to list.

Give JC an email through Ebay and specify your model tone arm and he will provide the appropriate model.

I had used the XTCW on a Hadcock and asked JC to fashion the model for my JMW12.5. He was very responsive and professional in his dealings.
tubed1
161 posts
 
The modification gets modified. Of course so did the price. This new revision looks even more supple! Certainly allowing for a wider application of cartridges. Kudos to the makers of XTC for the upgrade.
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