Using the VPI threaded clamp and azimuth change

Clamping can be a little tricky, where there will be slight variances in clamp down pressure with any given record. It takes a bit more time to critically, and correctly clamp, but is probably worth it, just for the fact of better coupling the record to Platter Surface.

You maybe might want to try something like the Herbies Grungebuster VPI Spindle Washer.

Right off the bat, the Rubber Washer is a bit harder in Shore Hardness, and more resistant to compression IMO than the Herbies Spindle Washer. The Grungebuster material seems a little more "spongy", and giving. Rubber can also have a tendency to get harder over time.

With the Herbies Washer, you might be able to achieve a better, and flatter coupling of the record. Mark

It doesn't change the azimuth at all. I actually set my azimuth with the threaded clamp, washer and an angle protractor.

M~

Using an angle protractor only assumes that the diamond is "perfectly" aligned on the cantilever.

Setting the head shell parallel to the record surface is a starting point, not necessarily the end result. Trust your ears.

If you are clamping your disks you can easily "test" that you've got the tension correct by simply tapping your fingernail against the record edge. You will immediately hear if the record is making good solid contact with the platter or if it is too loosely clamped or too tightly clamped and dishing up a bit.

I used a fozgo on mine with the clamp on and have had no issues.

RE"Using an angle protractor only assumes that the diamond is "perfectly" aligned on the cantilever."
I set mine the way that Harry instructs, the only thing that I add is a quantitative factor, that is a measurement, which is both repeatable and reproducible. In this case using your ears results in to many variables, e.g. how tired you are, state of mind and all kinds of stuff like that. Even if you adjust it for your ears, the result will be good for only those records that were used to set it. Apparently the method that Harry chose to set the alignment works, because the table sounds great with a variety of records not just a chosen few.