VPI non-Anti Skate Q

lewm

I am sure you know that aligning by the cantilever, while a good idea, does not in any way cure zenith error, because a zenith error, besides being created by misalignment of the cantilever per se, is also created by errors in mounting the stylus at the factories ...

Of course. But aligning the cantilever still helps minimize the error, and it gets me to a good starting point so that alignment can be further refined with test tracks. Also, a compromise is often what's required. If you align solely to the stylus and not the cantilever, that can have an affect on the alignment to the cartridge's coils.

In retrospect I saw that you did mention stylus installation error. Apologies for that. But given the fact of stylus installation error, aligning the cantilever might by chance make zenith error worse  (or better if you’re lucky).

Relevant to the alignment of stylus to cantilever maybe things are getting better?  Has anyone else noticed that in the past year or two the alignment of stylus to cantilevers seems to have improved?  Almost across the board I am seeing better alignment recently.  

I think it's not a universal for all VPI arms and carts, but I am using a Signature 21 as well without the anti-skate engaged. However, when setting up my table the dealer set up the anti-skate using the wally tools skater tool. This showed that in my specific setup, anti-skate was not needed, and using the anti-skate did indeed provide too much anti-skate force. 

So rather than generalizing, have a proper anti-skate test done during set up. 

lewm

... aligning the cantilever might by chance make zenith error worse ...

That's certainly true. But my reason for aligning the cantilever itself is to get a reliable starting point, because every parameter is a compromise and often affected by the others. It's impossible for each to be perfect - after all, there is no "perfect." Audiophiles can't even agree on Baerwald vs. Stevenson vs. Lofrgen null points.

Also, as I noted earlier, if you offset the cantilever on alignment you affect the alignment to the MC cart  coils.