VPI Scout setup after watching Frefmer's video

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.

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.

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.

I have the CI as well and it does make easy work of azimuth adjustments as well as small changes in TF. No regrets there. The one thing that concerns me is even though I run no twist for AS there is still some push from the cable just due to its stiffness. This causes the cantelever to not be quite parallel with the cart body as the cart body tends to lean towards the outside of the platter due to this small force. It is this condition that has me a bit baffled on how to set the alignment up.