2. analog
  3. 1304552009

VPI Classic/Clear Audio Maestro Wood Question

I just bought a CA Maestro Wood cartridge from an A'gon member. Per the seller, the cartridge is practically brand new and hasn't even broken in yet. The seller has great feedback and I found him to be very reliable.

I mounted the Maestro Wood myself, being careful to double check alignment, azimuth, VTF and VTA. My turntable is a VPI Classic, with the stock JMW 10.5iSE arm. As far as I can tell, the turntable and arm are in good working order. As regards azimuth, I adjusted it with both the little aluminum rod provided by VPI AND with a bubble balance. Azimuth is perfect. Ditto VTA. Oh, per VPI's suggestion, I am NOT using anti-skating force AND made sure the tone arm wire is not twisted.

After all mounting procedures were performed and double checked, I "eye-balled" the cartridge and cantilever alignment while playing a record. I noticed that as best I could tell, it seemed as though the cantilever was pulling slightly inward towards the spindle, maybe 10+ degrees. Same thing with the cartridge just sitting on a record with the platter not turning. However, when I lifted the arm, the cantilever seemed to hang straight down. Sound imaging is spot center in play mode. Ordinarily, I would have thought the cantilever was pulling slightly inward towards the spindle because of excessive anti-skating force, but as stated above, I am NOT using the anti-skating set-up.

Ok -- the question: Is it normal for the Maestro Wood cantilver to pull slightly inward towards the spindle under the circumstances described above?

One more question: I also own a CA Virtuoso Wood which needs a new stylus and cantilever. Does anyone know who the Clear Audio contact is that does the re-tips?

Thanks for the advice.
bifwynne

Showing 1 response by mjglo

mjglo
127 posts
 
Good light is important to setting up a TT. Make sure your TT is level before setting up the cartridge. A good alignment protractor is helpful as is a good digital scale, VPI setup tools, in my opinion, are a rough estimate of a set up. To set azimuth on a VPI arm the arm has to be balanced (set to proper weight) after setting the aluminum rod on the arm or the weight added by the aluminum rod can skew the results. A bubble weight can crush the cartridge. After setting azimuth with the rod it's best to visually check the cantilever for azimuth.
From your OP I think you misunderstand anti-skate:--"Ordinarily, I would have thought the cantilever was pulling slightly inward towards the spindle because of excessive anti-skating force, but as stated above, I am NOT using the anti-skating set-up"-- When antiskate is applied it prevents the arm from being excessively pulled to the spindle. On a VPI TT the external anti-skate rig is probably not recommended but one twist of the tone arm wire might be a good idea.
It takes time, a long time, to get it perfect.
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