Triplanar Problem

"Does large bolt (or small grub screw underneath VTA tower) allow any lateral adjustments to move arm 3 inches laterally to a "normal" resting position?"

Don't touch that, or at least not yet. First, it's not clear from the info you provided that this would be the proper fix. Second, you'll alter the arm's spindle-to-pivot dimension and change its geometry, possibly making accurate cartridge setup impossible. Third, while I don't know why, I do know that if an owner or dealer alters that adjustment on a new arm Tri Mai will void the warranty.

Here's the proper diagnostic:

1. Confirm that the armrest actually IS correct. It should not be straight, there's an outward bend that aims the armrest away from the platter. It should NOT be perpendicular to the bearing cage.

The armwand should be parallel to the armrest when locked in the rest, therefore also NOT perpendicular to the bearing cage. Check the TriPlanar website for photos.

Assuming the armrest does look like the photos on the website...

2. With the arm mounted, measure the spindle-to-pivot dimension with a metric ruler. (Measure from spindle center to the center of the screw on top of the bearing cage, NOT the center of the VTA tower, and raise/lower the VTA tower until the ruler's level.)

This dimension should be 233.5mm, + or - 0.5mm at most. If this dimension is off (too short probably, given your description) then you have one of two problems (or both, if you're the unlucky sort):

2.a. that adjustment beneath the VTA tower was mis-set by the manufacturer or altered by somebody. This is a job for Tri-Mai unless you're feeling brave. There's only one correct position and it's unclear to me (doing this from memory) how to measure or describe it. Even rotating to the correct spindle-to-pivot dimension might be wrong, if 2.b were also off.

2.b. your mounting/drilling jig was made (or used) incorrectly. Unfortunately, I have heard of jigs which were made wrong, which of course results in inaccurate placement of the mounting holes. Good example of why they invented that old rule, "Measure twice, cut (or drill) once." Best to hand fit the arm to where the jig says the holes will be and see if it measures and looks right *before* drilling.

The only fix for this is to re-drill, possibly with a new armboard if necessary.

3. If 1, 2a and 2b are all correct, then your platter's too big!

I'd bet on 2.b.

Doug

P.S. You made a good choice, so hang in there. The TP/UNIverse combo is notably better than the SME/Universe combo, and not only because of easily adjustable VTA.

Hi Lew,

We made the same qualification, just in different words. I said that 2.a (rotational position) is dependent on the correctness of 2.b (the jig and its use). You said it's dependent on the position of the mounting holes. Same idea.

I don't see why or how one could ruin the tonearm by rotating the VTA tower, but it's not for the faint of heart to do that.

Agreed.

By the way, measuring twice with an inaccurate mounting jig will not help much.

It will confirm whether the jig was used correctly, which is one possible error that would cause his problem. I agree it won't reveal whether the jig was made correctly.

Both of us have warned about inaccurate jigs, so if his armrest appears correct and his jig was used correctly, the next step would be to get his hands on another jig that's known to be accurate. His dealer or Tri Mai should be able to supply if there are no other TriPlanar owners near.

A known-to-be-accurate jig will reveal whether his mounting holes are correct.

- if they are then the rotational adjustment must be off. Contact dealer/Tri Mai.

- if they're incorrect then he should position the arm at the correct mounting position and recheck spindle-to-pivot.

--- if s-to-p is correct, he can resolve his problem by drilling new holes using the known-to-be-accurate jig.

--- if s-to-p is still off, then he needs to redrill new holes AND deal with the rotational adjustment.

Easier to show with a flow chart than to write.

Thom,

That was one of the clearest, best written and most helpful posts I've ever seen. Thanks for so generously sharing the results of your experience mounting different TriPlanars.

You provided a simple and sensible procedure that will work in all but extreme cases of inaccuracy, regardless of whether the inaccuracy results from the jig or from rotation of the mounting plate during tonearm assembly.

I'd suggest adding a generic version of this post onto the "TriPlanar Tips" thread and/or your website. This information is so helpful it ought to be where other TP users will find it.

Jonathon,
I'd recommend sharing Thom's post with your dealer and/or Avid. This would let them understand the issues and position your three mounting holes correctly while also helping them prepare for future TriPlanar armboard requests.

As to AC Raven or Amazon Ref, it's unlikely there'll be any synergy advantages or disadvantages between the TriPlanar and either of those two tables. Aside from fit-up challenges like the one you're dealing with now, table/arm synergy is rarely a major issue IME and will not be with either of those tables. I've heard TriPlanars on both and there were no problems.

In respect of fitting, the Raven's rotating armboard (like my Teres and Thom's tables) offers some insurance that you can easily attain a correct setup. Most owners who have this feature quickly wonder how they lived without it.

Both tables are made with the kind of precise, solid engineering you're accustomed to from your SME. Beautiful stuff.

The Raven's more massive platter and less elastic belt make it a bit more solid in the bass and clear on transients, though it won't quite match a non-elastic belt driven Galibier or Teres in this respect. The Ref's lighter platter and more elastic belt provide a slightly more relaxed presentation. Which you prefer is up to you of course.