VPI Scout setup after watching Frefmer's video

I get better sound with NO anti-skate at all. I tried the twist method and the actual anti-skate gizmo, but my cartridge sounds best with none at all.

There is a counterweight gimmick for the Scout arm that makes it easier to set up. It lets you independently adjust tracking force and azimuth. Check it out.

http://www.musicdirect.com/p-11961-soundsmith-counter-intuitive.aspx

I've had a lot of experience with this, including installing and using VPI's anti-skate "device". (I think "device" in the VPI lexicon means "contraption"). Go with Stringreen's suggestion. Just leave the wire with it's natural twist and go from there.

I should have mentioned what Wolf_garcia says in his post about unplugging the tonearm cables before you make your adjustments. I'm almost positive it tells you to do this in the owners manual. Also, I agree with Stringreen in that it sounds best if you just leave anti skating alone. Its an excellent TT and VPI felt it sounds best without it.

The issue of VPI TT anti-skate (AS) has been beat to death. Ok, since it's back on the table (pun intended), I'll put my 2 cents in. Based on my experience, it is completely unclear to me that using AS (via the wire twist method or the VPI AS contraption) improves the sound.

OTOH, as I posted in another thread, my primary carty is the Sound Smith VPI Zephyr. Peter Ledermann just retipped the stylus a month or so ago. Yes . . . , it was worn, but Peter told me the uneven wear pattern indicated that the AS (or lack there of) on my TT was the cause. I should mention that I had NOT been using any AS.

Peter sent me Rube Goldberg instructions on how to "properly" use the VPI contraption to set AS. I couldn't follow the theory or the "how to" method. So, I used the contraption and set the weight with one rubber donut ring. Is it too much, too little, or ok?? -- haven't a clue. I'll report back when it's retip time again and let you know.

Now here's another little issue that came up when I tried the wire twist AS method. The rough justice torque caused the azimuth to shift when I checked it at various spots on the record. I called Mike at VPI. He kinda acknowledged the issue and immediately sent me a new azimuth ring that has larger and heavier counter-weights. That seems to stabilize the azimuth issue.

Folks, I've said this before and I'll repeat it again. yes . . . the VPI JMW TT sings if everything is set up properly -- whatever that means. But after a while it stops being fun. I just wanta listen to my records and stop obsessing over setting azimuth, VTA and VTF.

As an aside, VPI just came out with the Traveler TT which uses a fixed gimbel system. I understand that the friction coefficient is almost as low as the JMW uni-pivot. That takes azimuth off the table and simplifies everything.

I think VPI should consider using a fixed gimbel system in its higher end tables so we can all stop the obsessing. As usual, just my humble opinion. Gotta go, my Linda Ronstadt record's over