Need help - Set up Helikon using test LP


Over the weekend, I was setting up my Helikon on a Vpi JMW 10.5 arm using the Hifi News test LP and I ran into some problems. The table was a Vpi Aries.

There are four tracks (6 to 9) on the test LP to help setting up the anti-skate. They are 300Hz pure tones. Each track is a few db louder than the one before.

I played the lowest level track (track 6) and it was fine. The 300Hz tone was beautifully reproduced on both channels with equal loudness.

I than played the next louder track (track 7). The right channel immediately buzzed, indicating the need for anti-skate adjustments. I tried twisting the arm leads both clockwise and counterclockwise, one turn at a time, up to 3 turns; but the right channel buzz still persisted.

I also played the track 8, which is a few db louder than track 7. This time the right channel buzzed loudly for a couple of seconds and it jumped track.

The Aries has been perfectly leveled. I checked it with a bubble level and a 10” carpenter level.

The tracking force was set at between 1.75g and 1.80g; it is difficult to be exact due to the limited resolution of the Shure gauge. But in any case, it is at the maximum recommended value so I doubt that was the cause.

The arm was running dry, no damping oil added.

Has anyone tried this? Any help/comments will be greatly appreciated.
sidssp
The brightness WILL get less and finally be gone. It takes time...about fifty and more hours was my experience. (Goldmund Ref, heavily mod. Souther lin.tracking arm, XLO limited edition cabling, Aethetics IO, Jadis 200,Jadis 500, Gryphon, Spectral amps to Quads, Sound Lab, Stax F1 and Plasma tweeters)
I just tested my Helikon using the HiFi News LP. I have a JMW-10 arm that has a 10.5 arm tube and bearing.

My results were similar -- except I also got buzzing on track 6.

Regardless, the cartridge sounds incredible. I have had mine for about two months.
Hummmmmm.....does this mean that I have to do the same??? I guess I'll get the Hi-Fi record and do the same and report back....I have the Helikon/10.5.Aries also.
I really don't know much about these things but it sounds to me that this might be more an issue with the tracking capabilities of the cartridge than the absence of a traditional anti-skating mechanism on the JMW. My Van Den Hul Black Beauty, which has a reputation as a good tracker, doesn't begin to buzz until track 9, the last track. (I have a JMW 12.5) Does the Helikon track the Hifi test record better in other arms? How much so?
Ok. I got in touch with Mike at Vpi. He told me to set the tracking force at 1.9 g for the Helikon, the manufacturer recommended maximum of 1.75g is not enough.

My arm wire may have too much glue on it and I need to loosen it up using a hair dryer. Right now if I twist the arm wire more than one full turn counterclockwise, it forms an "S" shape. It should form a smooth arc in order to function properly as a spring.

Mike also told me a procedure that involves using a dime to setup the anti-skate.

I am going to try all these tonight and will report back what I found.