Arm Heighth on VPI Classic

Rockyboy....yes

Hiendmuse....you probably need to raise the rear end of the tonearm much more then parallel. This is a common misunderstanding....try the rear end quite high and listen before setting it horizontal..or even close to horizontal.

Stringreen I had tested the arm with rear end higher, lower, and parallel and clearly found the best sound and performance of my Lyra Titan-i cartridge with the arm mostly parallel to the platter. In addition my tonearm is adjusted very well and tracks without any rocking motion at all; it is rock steady when playing. You should readjust your arm so that it is mainly parallel. I find using the top of the headshell is best for determining levelness rather than the tonearm which is tapered and more difficult to judge. If the rear of the tonearm is slightly above or below parallel that is ok, whatever sounds best.

Public service announcement: Heighth is not a word. Height is the word.

Hiendmuse....I know, I know....Harry sets up his arms horizontal, and then listens by slightly raising the rear...but the arms are mainly horizontal. I have a 3D arm - I've been setting up arms for about 40 years, but just recently came across an article on Fremer's site ( Analogue Planet) that intrigued me. The VPI arm is soooo easy to raise/lower that I tried Fremer's suggestion, and to MY ears he is right. I suggest you read the article and try it for yourself...it might change your thinking about this issue too. If you do raise your arm, recheck all the parameters since it might shorten and lighten the arm. Experimentation... That's what makes this hobby worthwhile.