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Setting Azimuth

Details:
VPI Scoutmaster
JMW 9 standard tonearm
Soundsmith Zephyr cartridge band new
Using a Fozgometer and Hi Fi News Test LP both also brand new
I'm measuring at the interconnects off the turntable.
I cannot seem to achieve a proper azimuth that will give even channel balance. The only adjustment on this tonearm is the counterweight which is weighted a the bottom so turning it side to side should effect azimuth. Only extreme changes are affecting channel balance. I changed the interconnects in case they were causing the problem, but I get the same results. The right channel is a few decibels louder no matter what I do to the azimuth unless I make an extreme adjustment which has the tonearm cocked to one side and obviously this is not correct.
arnold_layne

Showing 3 responses by stringreen

stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,368 posts
 
I don't have the counter-intuitive, but isn't it only worthwhile to repeat a setting already worked out? It doesn't do anything to make the initial setup any easier...or am I wrong..
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,368 posts
 
Actusreus....nope...making those arm adjustments are not that difficult at all. There is a weight IN the rear of the arm adjustable with a large Allen wrench to make the arm lighter unscrew the weight a bit..to make it heavier, screw the weight in a bit. From the factory, the weight is totally in, so before you start, just unscrew the weight a bit. The counterweight can be forced around the arm tube without damage. The tightening screw captures a plastic piece, so its friction controlled. With the counterweight firm, just rotate the weight while holding the arm headshell. This is not a difficult proceedure,
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,368 posts
 
Actusreus.. I'm not against it, I just think its not necessary....like a belt and suspenders. It takes a few minutes to dial in the VPI arm...probably the same time it takes to install the Counterintuitive. If you change cartridges the device has merrit because you can repeat the setting for the cartridge needed after first having properly installed the cartridge, however, it would even be easier to simply have another arm properly set up with the new cartridge already mounted in it and replace the old arm with the new one, and plug it in. Again, if you like the CI, zei gazundt.
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