Your ears will tell you the right height; there is no agreement on what is best. Some believe the arm should be absolutely parallel; some either slanting up or down toward the cartridge. Generally, having the arm lower at the pivot than at the cartridge end reduces the treble, raising it increases it. I am usually a down at the pivot man but you have to try it for yourself. I replaced the stock feet with Star Sound Audio Points [ solid brass cones]; this is a screw out , screw in job that takes 5 minutes. Better bass and transient response. I am a Star Sound and VPI dealer. The best way to do the azimuth is with a Fosgometer [sp.?] but they run $250 or so, If a friend didn't have one I would do it by eye, I wasn't THAT far off when we checked with the meter. Use the best arm cable you can, one of the best things about VPI is that since they use standard cable it is easy to experment. I liked VDH but the choice is very wide.
Tips for fine tuning a VPI Scoutmaster
I'm a first-time TT owner. I just bought a VPI Scoutmaster used, and I have some questions about fine tuning it. I've got the force and azimuth in a good state, but I'd like to learn how to make the fine adjustments. Would love to hear your tips for getting everything perfect.
1. How do I determine the correct tonearm height? I know how to move it up and down, but how do I know when it's perfect?
2. How do I fine-tune the azimuth. I just put the needle on a non-moving record, put a thin metal rod across the top and am eyeing it. Are there any tools/tricks for making sure it's right on?
3. Any other tips?
Thanks!
1. How do I determine the correct tonearm height? I know how to move it up and down, but how do I know when it's perfect?
2. How do I fine-tune the azimuth. I just put the needle on a non-moving record, put a thin metal rod across the top and am eyeing it. Are there any tools/tricks for making sure it's right on?
3. Any other tips?
Thanks!