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VPI setup

I just received my VPI Classic 1 -- 30th Anniversary turntable. Purchased on eBay, which I hope was not a mistake.

This is my first attempt to setup up a turntable. I have read the manual several times, and looked for videos and other sites reviewing setup. The TT has a uni-pivot arm which wobbles a lot and apparently that's just how it's designed.

So I'm playing my first records on the setup and there are two problems.

1. Skipping, even on new records. I have an Ortofon Quintet Bronze (new to me purchased slightly used on Audiogon). I've adjusted the tracking force to 2.6 using the Shure tool included with the VPI. This is slightly over the recommended range 2.1-2.5g. Do I still need to increase the tracking force a bit?

2. Voices are fuzzy. The only vocals I have are on regular vinyl. I do have some Mobile Fidelity Original Master Recordings of jazz (no vocal) and it sounds fantastic. But even these will skip, albeit less frequently.

Neither were an issue with my lesser Traveler and Bronze MM cartridge -- no skipping and no fuzzy vocals.

I've eyeballed for azimuth and followed all the VPI instructions the best I can.

I'm also wondering if given my investment I need to also purchase a good record cleaner -- better than my cheapo Spin Clean. Maybe with this step up to the Classic 1 and the Quintet Bronze it's just sensitive to every bit of dust and flaw.

Suggestions?

System:
VPI Classic 1 with Ortofon Quintet Bronze MC cartridge
Herron Audio VTPH - 2 phono preamp
Cary Audio SLP for linestage preamp
McCormack DNA-750 mono blocks
Vandersteen 3a Signature speakers
van Den Hul and WireWorld Silver Eclipse 7 interconnects
evolving
hiendmuse
257 posts
 
I use a Cartridge Man digital gauge, much more accurate and consistent than the cheap Chinese digital scales!! Only downside is the price of $399. I also use the Cartridge Man digital level which is extremely accurate for my Super Scoutmaster Ref. Rimdrive and 3D arm. I view the cost of these tools as an investment towards optimizing the performance of my table.
mcbuddah
93 posts
 
The Mapleshade scale is all of those things BUT..
it is also poorly made. The step-tray attached to the original pan was held in place by a 1/4" wide squiggle of hot glue. It was never parallel to the pan and it continued to angle down and change the reading if you left the stylus down for a few seconds. When mine failed I cleaned and reglued it properly but the glue weight was different from the original and I needed to calibrate it. I discovered then that the calibration button sequence described in the manual was for a different model base or some such thing and didn't work. Repeated calls and emails to Mapleshade resulted ultimately in their claiming that it was not in warantee and so they would not support it with proper documentation. YMMV.
evolving OP
16 posts
 
What about the Audio Additives Digital Stylus Force Gauge for $80 on Music Direct.

Reviewed here on Stereophile:

http://www.analogplanet.com/content/audio-additives-digital-stylus-force-gauge
melm
1,075 posts
 
This $12.50 "New Version Professional LP Digital Turntable Stylus Force Scale Gauge led - US" on eBay will work just fine.
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