VPI Uni-Pivit Tone Arms


I have owned a few VPI TT with the uni-pivit arm. My current TT is the VPI classic 3 signature. The uni-pivit arm is wearing me out. The arm is always tilted to one side no matter how I adjust it. I also notice that the sharp point in the arm housing has rounded quite a bit. I remember some time ago when I touched it I would get a sharp prick like a pin sticking me. Now i can run my finger across it without worrying. Is this normal?
Has anyone else notice the tilted arm? Mine is tilted to the left and sometimes the ears (the part that sticks out from the arm housing) touches the base of the housing.

But with all this discomfort, the TT still sounds awesome. But I hate those things about the TT that I pointed out. I owned the vpi classic, scout, and scout 2, and they all have those faults I mentioned that bothers me.

What's your experience with the uni-pivit arms?


almandog

Showing 12 responses by almandog

Guess you could be right. I have gone through the setup procedure so many times. But I still might be missing the obvious to others about the uni-pivit setup. Mike at VPI was very helpful but he is not there anymore, I think. 
Thanks for your response. 
I have sent an email to vpi about this issue. I will report their response. 
The Tonearm that I am using is a Metal Tonearm.
I did use a Fosgometer to set it up but I find that an oscilloscope does a better job setting up azimuth.
How about a VPI 3D arm and the Dual-pivot device?
Would I need to get anything else to accommodate those two items on the turntable?
Any here has that setup?
So what is a good replacement arm for VPI Uni-Pivot arm. Please don't mention any thing over $3K.
Rolin:

I agree with you on the spike. Probably that's what happen to me. I have not heard from VPI as yet, so I might give them a call. I am also thinking of getting a new 3D arm, or even move up to the Prime Signature. Other option is to get a McIntosh MT10. I will wait on VPI's response before I make any move.
Today I did some adjustments of the arm. I discovered that because the spike has worn down, the cartridge barely touch the vpi jig when aligning the cartridge on the white dot on the jig. I finally got the Azimuth almost perfect using an oscilloscope and a test record. Can't attach picture here to show you.
I will get the 3D arm soon.
I am in touch with VPI and they are going to send me new spike. Mine is worn down badly. 
Selling it is an easy option. But I don't want to sell something that's not working properly. It would still cause issues for the buyer. I never sell anything that's broken. I think I will get a new spike and the double pivot. 
Today I heard from VIP. They are sending me a new spike. I thought of getting a VPI Fatboy tonearm but it's at the same price point as trading in my Classic III for a VPI Prime Signature. Now I am in limbo now: The Fatboy tonearm for the Classic  III or the Classic III trade in for a VPI Prime Signature?

 Rational?
Mreeter:

No. Its about issues I have with the uni-pivot arm on my VPI Classic  III being crooked no matter what I do to straighten it out. Go to the first message in the thread. 
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