Arm Heighth on VPI Classic

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.

Stringreeen, in addition, I was at VPI headquarters several months ago at an audiophile meeting where they demonstrated the 3D tonearm and Harry talked about the direct drive table. They had numerous VPI tables set up. I recall that the tonearms all appeared to be adjusted to parallel to the platter on their tables.

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.

Durbin - thanks for catching the error. Should have been more careful, but my furnace went out that morning, my dog got hit by a car, and my wife ran away with my best friend. And if that wasn't enough, I'd just taken delivery of a couple 45rpm lps from Acoustic Sounds and I was concerned about making an adjustment for the thicker 200gram vinyl. In all my excitement, I wasn't watching my spelling. For what it's worth - these lps (Hugh Masekela's Hope and The Doors/The Doors) were my first ever 45rpms. They sound awesome!