VPI Classic and ZYX 4D

just a quick note.
I hope it will help people who will have the same problem I had.
The solution is to take the screw for fine adjustments off the counterweight's stub.
That way the counterweight will be a little bit away from the unipivot.
Now I have set the tracking force up to 2gr and I can go much higher if I'd like too.
it seems to work much better without the screw and that is what mike told me to do.

I'd suggest to all owners of VPIs to take that screw inside off and regulate the tracking force only relying on the counterweight.
it takes a little longer but it is not impossible, of course :)

Hope this helps.

thank you all for your advice.

Stephanoo,

If balancing your cartridge on this tonearm is easier without the screw, there's still an easy way to fine-tune VTF WITHOUT moving the counterweight (which is very touchy and affects azimuth, as you know).

Get some O-rings sized to fit snug on the end stub. Slide 1 or more on behind the counterweight. This will make very small reductions to VTF but you can leave the counterweight alone.

You're making great progress,
Doug

Stefanoo-
If your VTA is too low (the arm is too low in the back) this will decrease the amount of VTF also. If you change the VTA make sure you re-check your VTF.

You mention you use the Shure scale. Are you using the correct line on the scale? This would be the line with the arrow pointing to it that says "times two". So when you put the stylus in that "times two" groove and you set the weight to 1 gram and the scale balances the VTF is 2 grams.
I recommend going to Amazon and getting a resonably priced digital scale. This is one place where it is good to mix a little digital in with your analog! ;-)

PS-Make sure you use a brush or something on you stylus after you use the Magic Eraser.

Hi,

thank you Doug and Srwooten.

- I know, regulating just by moving counterweight is very tricky and affects azimuth too, I will try your method.

- When I set the weight I am pointing at "time two" 's scale.

- Sometimes I brush after magic eraser some other times I forget. I am trying to become more consistent; nevertheless, I always check the diamond with a 10X magnifier after I am done playing one side or so and it looks really shiny and sharp.

Yesterday I found out an interesting thing I want to share.

During these 10 hours or so of listening, I have noticed a little distortion sometime on the right ch with some records.
So I have checked and re-checked the alignment, the azimuth, VTA and VTF several times and found them to be all good.

So finally yesterday I put the test record on and scoped the output.
I have incredibly found that the system was unable to even track the first tracking ability's track (12dB) so I was kinda of desperate.
I started to tweak the wire, twisting and untwisting it and after many attempts I have gotten the 12dB right.
Nevertheless I was unable to make the following tracks work.
SO I decided to just give it a shot and listen to it.

Difference was huge and distortion that was heard before was gone.

aside not:
my old rega 300 and denon 103 were able to pass all the 12dB 14dB 16dB and almost the torture track (18dB)

Now my question is:

why wouldn't a VPI and ZYX 4D even try to pass at least the 14dB tack?
I mean just by regulating the tonearm to make it track the 12dB made a huge difference I cannot imagine to make it track the following tracks.

Hi Stefanoo, What test LP are you refering to with the tracking test?

Bob