Classic 3 and Zephyr


I installed a Soundsmith Zephyr on a Classic 3 using the supplied jig and I was surprised how far back the cartridge had to be set back in the shell head. It's so far back the connecting wires seem tight. Being the Zephyr had the input from VPI I'm surprised by this. Does anyone with this same setup concerned that the cart sits so far back on the shell head?
nedmoto
You're doing something wrong. I own a Classic 1 w/ Classic 3 wand upgrade. I also use the SS Zephyr. I'm looking at my set up now as I write this post. The front face of the Zephyr is set back maybe a millimeter from the front end of the wand. Plenty of room for the wires. I used the VPI alignment jig, which btw is based on Baerwold geometry. Double check your work, but if you're still stumped, call Mike at VPI. FWIW, the Zephyr mates really well with the Classic wand. If set up properly, your rig should sing. Give my regards to Mike. Bruce
I have a Classic (model before the 1/2/3 came out) with a Zephyr and mine is also set back pretty far. During setup I actually pulled it out and started over just to be sure, and ended up in the same place.

(I use a Mint protractor for setup)
Thanks for your all your responses. I'd say I I'm about 85-90% back in the slots. I used the supplied jig with the Classic 3 and with my earlier post, once I took more care with the wire placement the second time around it doesn't don't look as tight. I'll post Mike's 2ยข after I talk to him.
Stringreen, yes, if he used the vpi jig he will ultimately get the proper spindle to pivot distance but if the initial spindle to pivot distance is incorrect to start, then a radical cartridge adjustment within the head shell would be required to compensate for the incorrect distance.

Nedmoto, take the wand off the base and measure the bearing point to the spindle. You should get a distance of 262mm. If the distance is greater than 262mm, that is why your cartridge needs to be place to the rear of the head shell to compensate for the greater length.

Another simpler explanation could be that you are using the 10.5 jig setting instead of the 10.5i jig setting.