VPI Aries with non-VPI arm

Anyone using a Tri-Planar or Kuzma 4 point on a VPI table?

I definitely don't like the arm.

I'm sure it is a good design & that is well manufactured but I'm not comfortable with the cartridge setup process on this uni-pivot arm. I don't feel that I'm getting the best sound from this system.

I have had tables & arms starting with an AR in the 60s, to Thorens, SME, Oracle, including a VPI HR19 and a Scoutmaster with their 9" arm.

I am not compulsive about cartridge setup or tweaking but this arm is way too twitchy for me. Setting the counterweight & azimuth is a nightmare. I am never certain that the pivot point is properly seated at the apex of the inverted cup. All the cartridge settings come into question because I have no confidence that the arm is seated properly.

Again, I'm sure VPI did a good job on the 3D. I think it's just the nature of their uni-pivot design.

I think I'll opt an arm that provides for more secure setup. This is an arm that I don't feel that I'm able to "dial in."

Bruce,
Thanks for the input.
The 3D arm differs from the JMW 9T in a few ways:
The 3D's counterweight relies on the friction fit of rubber "O" rings to keep it in place. It doesn't have the set screw of the old arm. Minor adjustments are very difficult. Moving the counterweight back to front can cause it to rotate around the axis of the arm. You essentially need to set the azimuth & tracking force at the same time.
The good news: the Soundsmith gizmo comes standard on the 3D.

I'm using the Kleos as well. In my system, the cartridge is revealing without being clinical.

The fiddly nature of the uni-pivot arm was OK with me at the $2.5K price point of the Scout/9T combo. At about $10K for the Aries/3D rig, I'm not so pleased.

Tdaudio,
Thanks for the info.
I think I'm jumping the VPI ship. I'm going to trade the whole rig: the new Aries/3D combo with SS Clamp, Outer-ring, and SDS drive.
I'll be shopping the audio shows soon.
Considering a TW Raven One with a Tri-Planar arm.