Classic 3 and Zephyr

Stringreen, yes, if he used the vpi jig he will ultimately get the proper spindle to pivot distance but if the initial spindle to pivot distance is incorrect to start, then a radical cartridge adjustment within the head shell would be required to compensate for the incorrect distance.

Nedmoto, take the wand off the base and measure the bearing point to the spindle. You should get a distance of 262mm. If the distance is greater than 262mm, that is why your cartridge needs to be place to the rear of the head shell to compensate for the greater length.

Another simpler explanation could be that you are using the 10.5 jig setting instead of the 10.5i jig setting.

BRF...that's what I said

It was worth repeating :-)

I did speak with Mike today. He said he's probably mounted about twenty Zephyrs and they do sit far back in the head shell as far as I previously mentioned. He didn't real have any explanation why SS designed it that way, and he too thought it was odd since it was designed for VPI. I measured the bearing-spindle distance and it's the 262mm mentioned. I took a picture (wish I could post it here) and sent to Mike so he could see it.

I've figured it out (I think). The issue is the distance from the cart's mounting holes to its stylus tip. I just held another cartridge up next to the Zephyr and it's obvious that this distance (in the other cart) is less than it is on the Zephyr. So, to compensate, the Zephyr has to be moved back in the slot.