VPI cartirdge alignment?

I took possession of a new VPI Classic and (unmounted) Soundsmith Zepher MKIII. While mounting the cartridge I found that the wire connectors coming out of the arm are so long, that once installed on the cartridge pins, they interfere with the arm tube at the back of the headshell.  WTF!  I simply cannot get proper cartridge alignment because of this interference!!

I hate the idea of cutting into new wires and trying to shorten or modify the connectors.  VPI's suggestion was to use a spacer under the headshell to gain some clearance (and by the way they have never heard of this happening before).  Again, WTF..... I thought the Soundsmith was designed to work with the VPI?  Actually I don't see how any cartridge could align properly on this arm with the supplied wires/connectors unless the cartridge aligned at the very front of the headshell.  Alignment on the Zepher occurs about midway back in the headshell......interference!!!

Anyone had this issue with a new VPI arm/wiring/connectors?

Thanks in advance all.