VPI Prime Sig VTA Settings

[Joe Fedenecz]

Hi folks, seasons greetings. I'm new here and I would like some feedback on vta settings. What should I be listening for when I make adjustments? Also I have been hearing some distortion on the inner grooves of some records, especially on vocals. My turntable was set up by the folks who sold it to me but I have concerns. Thanks. Joe.

 

[Solypsa]

There are quite a few threads on the topic so be sure and read through them. VTA is really important but table calibration includes starting with solid setup geometry too. Also it would be good to mention what cartridge you have when asking for opinions on your setup. And if the components are all new or if bought used.

When the VTA is "far" from dialed in, somewhat large changes of the tonearm up/down can conform to the overly simplistic "up for treble down for bass" idea. However when you are closer to finding the ideal position smaller changes can get you to a place where "everything" locks in, gets better, more natural etc.

Even with experience this can take some time, but if you are new this will take patience.

Lastly my advice is to not worry about changing vta for different record thicknesses...at least not until you gain more setup experience.

 

[Joe Fedenecz]

Thank you for responding Erik. My cartridge is a Soundsmith " The Voice". I will be upgrading the arm to a VPI Fatboy and will then experiment with VTA settings. I have been setting it at 0 and adjusting minutely never going past 2 but I don't know what I should be listening for, soundstage or bass. Trying to trust my ears I guess. Thanks again.

 

[Solypsa]

Does 'zero' equal arm parallel with record surface when lowered so cart is resting in the groove?

 

[tima]

Also I have been hearing some distortion on the inner grooves of some records, especially on vocals.

This symptom can correlate to antiskate adjustment, especially with soprano range vocals. Try increasing antiskate in small increments until distortion is gone.

 

[Joe Fedenecz]

Thanks for the response. I use no anti-skate as I was told that twisting the cable from the arm to the junction box meant it was not needed. Make sense?

 

[Joe Fedenecz]

Does 'zero' equal arm parallel with record surface when lowered so cart is resting in the groove?

The VTA tower is set to 0. When playing a record I notice that the rear of the arm is higher. Is that what you mean?

 

[Fedie]

The arm should be parallel to the record, listen to it that way first then adjust vta I up or down in small increments if you like.

 

[Vienna]

The VPI VTA tower has so much free play and slack tolerances, that will not allow any precision adjustment. The whole construction is so poorly implemented, that returning to the previous state is impossible. I have seen that a repeated VTA change, will cause a random (not repeatable) alteration of the effective length, azimuth and VTF.
this applies to all VPI models including the new Fatboy versions. There is a long discussion at VPI forums for this issue, which can only be partly cured with the introduction of metal rings underneath the VTA tower and a screw under the Tonearm’s pivot, which eliminates then, the VTA adjustment.

i have spent so many hours on this matter and had to get rid of both (gimbal and unipivot )fatboys at the end.

also the twisted cable for Antiskating, is another wrong VPI claim (like the 14” Tonearm with no offset, based on an Italian Maths ) all Tonearms are in need of a antiskating and the lemo cannot provide it.