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VPI 3D & 10.5i armwand compatibility

Can I mix between these armwands on the same single base/pivot ?

I have two 10.5i armwands for my VPI SSM Ref and am thinking of buying a 3D armwand to try out. HOWEVER I read elsewhere the 3D needs a different (supplied) pivot assembly. This implies I can't mix them.

ALSO there are older threads about your early experiences setting up and listening to the 3D which talk about possible future developments of the arm. Any comments on how that evolution is going ? I have a natural aversion to 'breaking trail'...heightened since my difficulties with rim drive (I'm now back to belts - 3 of them - and very happy).
rateourmover
vpiindustries
16 posts
 
For easy compatibility and swapping without any adjustments... wait a little! I've read the adjustment problems people have had both on the forums and in emails. I'm correcting the design to be easier to use, set up, and swap. More information to come on this in the next few weeks. The current design works and sounds fantastic! However, it has proven to not be the easiest to work with.
rateourmover OP
27 posts
 
VPI - thanks for that. I'll wait.

I decided to send my queries to Agon rather than directly to you guys because I know you are busy and usually take a while to respond.

HOWEVER - you may also have seen my counterweight weights thread (started same date) and can respond ? I need to be sure of the weight I need to balance a Lyra Dorian mono (6.4g). 100gm is the lightest I've seen but I don't know if that's OK - especially with the SoundSmith in place. At present I'm using a 'standard' weight (110+gm ?) and a head-shell weight - which I don't like doing.

If you can advise I can close that thread.

Many thanks.
brf
1,699 posts
 
What will be VPI's return/upgrade policy for owners of the original 3d arm who now desire a non-prototype design?
stewart0722
171 posts
 
VPI's return/upgrade policy will be to charge you for whatever is required to make your arm work.

I went through 3 rounds of returns and reworks with VPI on my 3D arm
for a C3 and in the end the experience left me so exhausted that I have since
sold the arm as well as the table on Audiogon. I will not be purchasing anything else from VPI....

However:

The person who bought my arm read VPIs giant statement on the 3D arm page of their website that said "This tonearm is backwards compatible and will fit on all past and current VPI Turntables."

That is a bold faced LIE!

His fairly recent classic one has the arm base coming up from the arm mount,
not the platform and VPI's response to him??

"Give us 415.00 and we'll send you what you need to make it work"......
now I might get negative feedback on Audiogon because I can't take
the arm back......

The prototypes never end.......
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
5,112 posts
 
The 3D is NOT interchangeable with 10.5i
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