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Using the VPI threaded clamp and azimuth change

I am using the VPI threaded delrin clamp that came with my classic 1. It is stated that the threaded clamp is to be used in conjunction with the rubber spindle washer. When it is used this way, it seems like it would negatively affect the azimuth setting. When you screw down the clamp and tighten it against the rubber washer, it does force the outer edge of the LP downward to touch the platter. This causes the LP to have a slight downward dish appearance. When I have set my azimuth on a level surface, does this not cause the azimuth to be out of alignment? Do I need to set my azimuth canted a bit to the outside of the platter to compensate for this effect? How are you VPI users adjusting for this?
andyprice44
brf
1,699 posts
 
Place the record on the platter, screw down the clamp and set the azimuth by ear.

I would not worry about the perceived "dishing" as it is so minute that I doubt that the azimuth between clamp on and clamp off is negligible.
stevecham
3,298 posts
 
When used correctly, the playing surface of the record is flat to the platter and not dished.
andyprice44 OP
133 posts
 
It seems impossible to keep the record flat with the washer underneath. The washer holds the LP 1/8" above the platter so, the only way that the LP can make contact with the platter on the outer edges is to dish the LP slightly downward. In my situation the playing surface is always dished downward even if you only lightly tighten the clamp. The playing surface always has a slight rise towards the spindle. I have tried using the clamp without the washer underneath. Due to the built in recess in the classic aluminum platter, this causes the record to dish upward. It only makes sense to me that I need to keep the record surface as flat as possible. I suppose I need to re-adjust my azimuth to account for the dish effect of the VPI clamp system.
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