Upgrade Tonearm for VPI Aries 3

My XX2 has close to 200 hours on it now. I have found setting the VTF at 2.0 and the loading at 100 Ohms to be helpful. Sometimes on the same album the sibilance can be fine on some tracks and exaggerated on others, regardless of the tracks location on the disc. Most albums play just fine. I think mixing that hypes the top end is at fault and the XX2 doesn't gloss it over. The sibilance is equal and undistorted in both channels.

Bill

Bifwynne,

I think you hit the nail on the head.
I gave the wire one twist ccw and bam now everything is getting better !

I tweeked in the azimuth everything is getting better and the arm is more stable.
My weight is at 1.96 grams no sss.

Another thing I did was remove almost all of the damping oil in the cup.It made the arm more alive.

It's sooo nice to get back to some nice vinyl.
It will be a late night tonight .

I want to thank all for the comments and I'll post more info later this week.

Thank YOu.

Glad to hear Abill. The JMW arm can do a good job if it's set up properly. But to get to that point .... Anyway, goodluck and happy listening.

Abil...the secret word is Fozgometer...get one, use it and you'll never have to worry about azimuth again.

Be careful with the damping fluid. True, removing most of it will liven things up but, at least on my arm, it also affected the treble. Noticeably the sound of cymbals became harsh. I filled the cup until the arm just contacted the fluid and it was not enough. Half a drop more did the trick.

Bill