2. analog
  3. 157961-1975

I finally get it!

I had a long  discourse with VPI after I bought my new Classic 3 Sig SE years ago. The subject was that the S2P distance was off. After over one year of trying to get this resolved, I still received my tt back with this distance 1 mm (long).

I always wondered why there was no forthcoming measurement of the S2P distance. After all, VPI is know to have customers DIY their own tts, based on VPI's own products.

So, VPI offers their set-up jig with new tts. They don't offer any specific measurements for S2P. Someone had to ask on their forums in order to find out. Why?

I now know why. Because, their manufacturing was/is not very precise. So, if their S2P distance was off when the tt left their shop, their own jig (provided) would still keep the S2P distance in a (good enough) range. 

Nice try/trick.
128x128slaw

Showing 5 responses by oldears

oldears
386 posts
 
Few audiophiles are going to bother to look because their stuff is too cheap. But the info on their site is correct. Their 20 buck protractor is very good and precise, and can be ordered in 2 spindle sizes and with Baerwald or Loftgren B alignment. No need to spend $250.
The definitive reference on tonearm alignment was an article in Stereophile by Keith Howard. It can be found by searching for: stereophile optomizing tonearm geometry. Read and learn.
oldears
386 posts
 
@slaw Go to turntablebasics.com and look at alignment tools. They have a lot of good info about tonearm alignment on their site which may be helpful to you.
oldears
386 posts
 
A 1mm error in effective length implies a 0.1mm difference in overhang and a 0.1 deg difference in cartridge alignment. This should not be a drama. Read the articles.
oldears
386 posts
 
@phoenixengnr From the table on the turntablebasics website,for a 230 mm EL the optimum OH is 18.14, and the angle is 24.083 deg:for a 229 mm EL the optimum OH is 18,05 and the angle is 23.972 deg.This kind of difference is hard to measure, thus not a drama.
 

The 1 mm error in 230 mm is 0.4%. I can't name manufacturers, but I recall both Fremer and Dudley mentioning this kind of error more than once.

Please read the references.
oldears
386 posts
 
I would guess a lot of manufacturers are no more accurate than VPI. 
Please read the reference to see the consequence of errors of 0,5mm and 0.5 deg offset. I am not being critical of anyone, just trying to provide accurate info. Basically if you are aligned at the 2 chosen points for a given geometry you have done everything you can for the cards you have been delt.
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