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Actually the side weights screw on and off with no problem, they screw on so you can adjust the azimuth with them. |
The truth is I can set these arms up with my eyes closed, I use a Mint Best Protractor made for the table/arm combo, then use index cards for azimuth and VTA and after that adjust by ear to dial in the last degree, but the fact remains if you have a saggy arm tube and a headshell that is out of wac all the tools and adjustments are not going to get you where you want to be. I have got a hold of VPI and am sending the arm wand back for inspection and replacement. But I have to say that I am a bit Leary and would really like to know the reason for the issue, don't want to get up the road and out of warranty and see this issue again. I own the stainless steel Classic 10.5 arm wand and love it also, it brings a bit of a livelier presentation to the mix versus the 3D arm and after going back and fourth decided to mount my DRY XV1s in the SS arm and my XYZ Universe in the 3D arm. |
Miner42 is right that the arm with the molded in finger lift was the early version and was soon updated to the metal bolt on one but do not know the reason why, I do know that VPI stated there is no sonic difference in the two approaches. After going to the VPI forum I found there are other people with arms that have started to morf out of shape, the headshell seems to be where it shows itself. I love the 3D arm and am hoping for the best and am sure that VPI will take care of me on this issue.
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I am sorry jmcgrogan2 started to ramble and did not answer your question. I do have the newer arm, table was bought new 7/2015, and it has the metal finger lift that bolts on with the cart. |
Just sent the arm back to VPI today by FedEx, Marc looked at the pictures and asked me what happened but they seem to be willing to replace the arm. I am thinking this had something to do with the resin/material that is used to make the arm and maybe not cured or allowed to set in the ideal conditions, but what do I know, that's right I know I have a warped arm. |
Yeah I am of the same mind, don't rock the boat an all, they have already said they will be sending me a new one and that they are going to cut into the damaged arm to test and diagnose. Do bear in mind I have been working with them since 9/2015 on the issue of this arm losing its azimuth settings and having to be reset about every two weeks the issue just got so severe that it could not be adjusted out and really obvious visually. |
Yeah I will post some pics, please be patient with me and I will get that done shortly. I am of the old school, literally and fumble around on computers but have been getting better lately. |
You know Dover you are absolutely right, that is a possibility but I was on top of it and the system is so resolved that it was detectable by ear as the cart would lose it's adjustment. Both the carts used with the bad arm have been dialed in and played on my Classic arm and am sure they are fine, I know them both very well and they are gorgeous. |
This was not a shipping issue. |
I will Harry and if you would please view the pics I sent to Marc they are quite revealing. My arm should be back at VPI so you can look at it as well. Thanks for your response. |
Just received my new arm from VPI and it is quite a bit thicker at the headshell portion of the arm, the counter weight stem is also without any groves and flat spots that the original arm had. Have not mounted a cart on it yet because the Soundsmith knurled mounting screws that I used with the XYZ Universe are not long enough now that the arm is much thicker at the mount. I will shave some of the knurled cap of the screws down on the underside to lengthen the screw portion and mount it this weekend.
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Yeah the heashell is thicker and the tube itself seems just a tad beefier, I say that because it is a very firm fit when I slip it into the arm rest. Just set the ZYX Universe up in the 3D arm and my Dynavector DRT XV1S in the stainless steel Classic arm wand with a Mint Protractor, have about 20 hours on the new arm and seems to have burnt in, no complaints, the 3 D arm is the better sounding arm overall so I will wait a year or so, sell the Classic arm and start looking for another 3D arm as long as this one maintains it's shape.
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fc911c, these 3D arms have gone thru 3 or 4 different iterations, three that I know of. The first being the one with the arm lift molded in the second one going with the metal arm lift that bolts on with the cart and the third with the thicker headshell, a work in progress you might say. I to came from a Scoutmaster with SDS, perifial ring and BDR record clamp and loved it but always wanted to try the 10.5 arm versus the 9 arm and as good as the 9 is the 10.5s are sooooo much better and when you add the perifial ring, SDS and a good record clamp it is really sweet.
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The SDS is kind of hard to pigeon hold to what it adds, it is suttle but still an upgrade and does give you the peace of mind that the speed is firm and the power is clean although expensive, in my mind worth it plus it gives you 45 rpm without moving the belt. The HRX pulley with two belts was a very cost effective upgrade upgrade that was not shuttle at all.
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fc911c, bear with me I am waiting on my headphone amp to be shipped from Yamamoto in Japan and I will post my system in it's entirety when that arrives because system will be complete at that point. Also bear in mind that as good as the 10.5 arms are the 3D is the premium arm and even with the issues I have had VPI has shown nothing but great customer support.
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