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VPI setup

I just received my VPI Classic 1 -- 30th Anniversary turntable. Purchased on eBay, which I hope was not a mistake.

This is my first attempt to setup up a turntable. I have read the manual several times, and looked for videos and other sites reviewing setup. The TT has a uni-pivot arm which wobbles a lot and apparently that's just how it's designed.

So I'm playing my first records on the setup and there are two problems.

1. Skipping, even on new records. I have an Ortofon Quintet Bronze (new to me purchased slightly used on Audiogon). I've adjusted the tracking force to 2.6 using the Shure tool included with the VPI. This is slightly over the recommended range 2.1-2.5g. Do I still need to increase the tracking force a bit?

2. Voices are fuzzy. The only vocals I have are on regular vinyl. I do have some Mobile Fidelity Original Master Recordings of jazz (no vocal) and it sounds fantastic. But even these will skip, albeit less frequently.

Neither were an issue with my lesser Traveler and Bronze MM cartridge -- no skipping and no fuzzy vocals.

I've eyeballed for azimuth and followed all the VPI instructions the best I can.

I'm also wondering if given my investment I need to also purchase a good record cleaner -- better than my cheapo Spin Clean. Maybe with this step up to the Classic 1 and the Quintet Bronze it's just sensitive to every bit of dust and flaw.

Suggestions?

System:
VPI Classic 1 with Ortofon Quintet Bronze MC cartridge
Herron Audio VTPH - 2 phono preamp
Cary Audio SLP for linestage preamp
McCormack DNA-750 mono blocks
Vandersteen 3a Signature speakers
van Den Hul and WireWorld Silver Eclipse 7 interconnects
evolving
evolving OP
16 posts
 
OK, good to hear. I will slow down and go over it again, and again as necessary. Will look for the Michael Fremer setup DVD. The instructions with the VPI are pretty spare, at least for a newbie like me. And I am actually getting feedback on the VPI forum and here as well. It all seems a little mysterious, how to get it right, even though I know that's not the case. I'm in
Baltimore and have a local VPI distributor. Thanks again. I just hope that I didn't get or cause damage to the cartridge.
evolving OP
16 posts
 
ARRRGGGHHHH.

I got it! I honestly just emailed my local VPI guy asking for a quote for the setup, went back for one more try and I hit it.

The problem? The tone arm was not level with the platter. I did one last eyeball, thought it could come down a bit and eureka!

I guess I just needed to by humbled by defeat before I could succeed.

Thanks again for everyone's help through this. Quite a learning experience.
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,441 posts
 
Evolving....your tonearm is a very high end performer... It seems that any adjustment brings back additional riches. If you can get a Fozgometer and the accompanying test record, the results can be stunning. On your setup, remember that any adjustment in height, will also change your vtf.
miner42
709 posts
 
A Soundsmith Counter Intuitive is a must for VPI arms - will help get azimuth set without changing VTF. An easy $50 upgrade.
fsonicsmith's avatar
fsonicsmith
941 posts
 
I know you solved your problem but can't help but add that it is always a good idea to make sure that your arm is properly centered on top of the spike. Just pick up the arm verticallya and set it back down and then carefully check to see that the arm pivots smoothly.
Second, that Shure guage is not reliable. It is amazing it works to the degree that it does but mine crapped out in no time due to the pivots points on the see-saw being worn. Invest in a good digital gauge. Beware of the cheap Chinese knock-offs. Reliable VTF is a must!
Third-you have to make sure your table is level.
I saw a VPI veteran once simply shove a cartridge (my own Benz Glider) into the very front of the headshell when setting up my table very preliminarily and the sound was still quite passable though not optimum-the point being that the degree of problems you had could never have been due to less than optimum alignment.
And last-the VPI unipivots are not the easiest arms in the world to set up. Don't feel the least bit shy about having problems. A gimbled arm with spring set VTF like a Rega or Project are far easier. You dove into the deep end a bit.
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