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VTA adjustment for VPI 10.5 tonearm

I am trying to get the VTA adjustment right on my reference superscoutmaster signature/10.5/koetsu rosewood signature platinum combo and right now classic records 200g and 180g set at "85" position seem right with a slight boominess in the bass. With thinner records (140-150g), it seems I need to lower it to around the "50" position in order to not have a graininess in the sound. Is my thinking correct or is there some other adjustment like adjusting the gain (I am using 30ohm load on my pass labs xono phonostage)? Any input would be appreciated. Also, how do I know the correct distance to keep the rim drive from the platter and should it be in the silver ridge or should I adjust the minifeet to have the rim sitting on the black part of the platter?
powerdoctor
powerdoctor OP
21 posts
 
One more thing Stringreen, there are rubber feet on the rim drive but how do you tell what is hard and soft when it comes to that? there seems to be some give to it but not much. Would it help to put felt under them?
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
5,112 posts
 
Powerdoctor..the new VPI feet for the rim drive are very clearly soft. I found this to be very important for the rim drive to operate at its best (I'm sure next week there will be something to make it better).. anyway, the felt under the harder rubber, or metal feet work to some degree, but if you have a rim drive, I advise you to ask VPI for the new soft feet. There is a new "rubber" ring for the rim drive coming soon.
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
5,112 posts
 
By the way...my point about the VTF setup is this. For each cartridge, there is one "best" VTF. I believe that tracking force is different for every single cartridge. The manufacturer might specify 1.5-2.5 grams, however, within that range, there is one and only one perfect tracking force for that cartridge. A VTF scale is not needed except to be sure that you are in the manufacturer's range, however, experimenting by ear by adding or reducing SLIGHTLY the VTF will reveal that magic spot. There are some arms (VPI et al) that once you get that magic spot, you have to readjust other settings. I can't tell you enough that if you want to know the real magic hidden in those groves, you can find it with this very careful setup.
sonofjim
557 posts
 
Stringreen,
When running your table without the anti-scate do you use the wire twist or just nothing? I know in the past you have felt that the wire will fatigue and the twist will loose it's effectiveness. I'm still trying to talk myself out of the anti-scate off and on but currently am still using it at about as light a weight as it will operate without the lever falling over as the stylus reaches the center of the disc.
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
5,112 posts
 
Hi Sonofjim... I use nothing for anti-skate at all...not even the Twist (Chubby Checker notwithstanding). I know that VPI arms can be a pain to adjust, but if you are inquisitive..just detach your monofilament to detect any difference. If you hear no difference why use it?? Then remove it from the arm, listen carefully, and I think you will hear a cleaner, clearer presentation.
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