Discuss The Viv Lab Rigid Arm

@mijostyn

I too am glad that my own ears/brain determine what sounds satisfy myself, not what a machine tells me music should sound like.  

@rauliruegas I do believe that whilst we may not agree, we now understand each other.

So I suppose that the traditionalists all use 12-inch tonearms, to minimize TAE as much as possible with a pivoted tonearm, and that they are aware of the effect of zenith errors on perfect alignment.  Which is to say that zenith errors, which are tolerated by the manufacturers up to +/-5 degrees, if ignored, will totally destroy any attempt at perfect alignment, using any of the traditional algorithms.  Unless you have accounted for that error, you are totally kidding yourself if you think you know your cartridge is perfectly aligned.

I have had the 13" carbon fibre arm paired with a VAS cartridge and Lenco (on a slate/aluminum composite plinth) for a short time now and the resulting sound is the best I've heard from my system.  

It's not a perfect system and there's always room for improvement but I greatly appreciate the Viv Lab for several reasons.

It sounds very good, from the first to the last track.  I won't even try to come up with an explanation.  Not my job to know why.  My job is to enjoy the music.

Arm set-up is simple.  I don't think this can be said for many (or perhaps any) sophisticated tonearms.  Try it at a dealer: bring your own cartridge, mount it, and see for yourself.

Mine is mounted off the plinth and sits on a large slab of metal.  This seems advantageous to me because the largest source of vibrations is probably my turntable itself since it contains a heavy spinning platter as well as a motor.  There are 3 threaded holes at the bottom of the armbase so I'm certain one could attach it to the plinth with some careful measurement and drilling.  But I would not do this since the arm's mobility allows one to move it to a second or third deck.  It also allows different cartridge to be installed and positioned easily.  So I applaud Viv Lab for bringing to market this arm that lets the user move it easily.  One arm may serve multiple decks.  And with the detachable headshell, swapping cartridges and re-positioning the arm has become a simpler chore.   

I also appreciate the magnetized oil used in the bearing reservoir.  It's a brilliant material application, and its implementation is again simple.  It's nice too that carbon fiber is an option.

I welcome this change from convention.  I'm glad to have bought the arm sight unseen (and unheard) and I truly think it's a gamble that's paying off with every single record I play.

There seems to be any logical arguments why the ViV shouldn’t sound good. Mostly/all from those who have not tried it or even heard it.

On the other hand, there’s a lot of very positive empirical reports from actual users. I’ll likely purchase a ViV to accompany my 4point, Schroeder CB-L, and my Schick (for SPUs) to try out.  Maybe this arm may scratch my linear tracker itch for lower noticeable distortion at the end of records especially for orchestra finishes.