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VPI Scout setup after watching Frefmer's video

I understand all the concepts, however one question still bugs me. When I read VPI's manual they go through the set up process pretty well with one of the first things you do is set the anti skate. Here is what I don't get, if the anti skate is hooked up how are you suppose to set tracking force and azimuth correctly if ther is a constant counter force acting on it? Even if you disconnect the Lemo it still imparts a force just hanging there.

I'm a newbie at TT's so maybe I'm missing something.
last_lemming
last_lemming OP
639 posts
 
I've ordered the Mint protractor and the VPI headshell wt. As I understand it my Memorial tonearm was not originally intended for MC carts, and the extra weight is suppose to address that to some degree. However I am still confused about setting up azimuth and tracking force. I've been told on this forum to connect the Lemo connector then set Azimuth and TF. It even says that in the directions if I remember correctly. However I called VPI to double check and I forget the fellows name (I don't think it was mike) and he told me to unplug it and keep it in the board next to the pivot point. I explained that when I did that the TF constantly changed depending on where I placed the connector. He didn't seem concerned about this. Since I'm trying to clear up a little bit of end of lp distortion I would like to make sure I'm setting the table up right from the start. Any thoughts?
actusreus
733 posts
 
I might be wrong, but unplugging the connector makes no sense to me. The VTF and azimuth only matter when you listen to records and you can't listen with the connector unplugged so why would you unplug it as you adjust these parameters?

Also, I've never heard of a tonearm not being "intended" for MC or MM cartridges. A given tonearm might not be suitable for cartridges within certain weight range, but not specifically MC averse.
last_lemming OP
639 posts
 
I only say "intended" because I've read in various posts how the memorial arm does not work well with the lighter MC carts. Maybe "intended"
isn't the best word, but essentially it gets us to the same point - the arm seems to "prefer" the heavier MM carts. At least that's what I have read in several posts. I'm not saying that it's truth or not, but I'm going to try some weight and see what happens.
stevecham
3,340 posts
 
The Memorial series of arms works fine with all types of cartridges. I have alway used MC carts on my JMW 10.5 and there is NO problem.
andyprice44
133 posts
 
It seems there are many conflicting views on this. I set the cartridge tracking force and azimuth with the connector plugged in. This is the way it would be used when listening so, it makes no sense to do all of you cartridge setup with it unplugged. I also prefer no anti-skate on my table but, that is another discussion. I use the CI. Is it needed to get correct setup, no it is not. Does it make the setup easier? Yes it does. It saved me lots of time and headache. Don't knock it if you haven't tried it. After using both methods, I will continue to use the soundsmith CI.
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