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
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