Use of antiskate on VPI 12.7 arm (for Lyra Kleos)

[lem321]

I just acquired a new Lyra Kleos cartridge and mounted it on my VPI TNT 6 with 12.7 arm and rim drive. Sounds wonderful except the image is shifted on some recordings to the left (stylus hugging the left/inner side of the groove?) I know Harry Weisfeld is not a fan of using antiskate other than twisting the phono cable. However Lyra designer, Jonathan Carr, strongly recommends the use of antiskate comparing it to VTF but only in a horizontal vector. Carr says if the cantilever deviates left/right as the needle hits the groove, some compensation (antiskate) is necessary. I purchased the VPI aftermarket antiskate gizmo but have yet to install it. I would like to know what experiences other VPI owners have had with the VPI antiskate device that screws to the junction box - i.e. sonic differences, amount of anti-skating used, parameters measured, etc. In particular, responses from owners of the 12.7 arm would be especially helpful. Thanks in advance for your responses.

[miketuason]

Lem, When I bought my VPI Scout used and it came with the Lyra Argo cart. It sounded great but not perfect. I was also told by VPI to just twist the cable but for some reason it wasn't enough specialy when I played it on a blank vinyl as in NO groove. The arm would skate so fast towards the spindle as soon as it touches the vinyl. So, I did ordered the antiskating kit, installed it, and I adjusted it to where it will stay steady on on the blank vinyl. I noticed a huge improvement, the balance is perfect, sound stage are deeper and wider now, and the bass also improved.

[lem321]

Hey Mike,

Thanks for that information. I did install mine and it sounds better although the needle still skates toward the center on a grooveless disc pretty quickly even with the maximum force (3 little o-rings toward the end of the shaft) but it sounds better with the image in the middle. Trying to figure out how to add more anti-skating with the VPI gizmo, maybe more o-rings.

BTW, also on Ferrarichat!

lem321

[BillK]

FYI, if you do this make sure you use the mechanical anti-skate, as VPI has long stated in their manuals:

If you try adjusting the anti-skate with a groove less record, you will ruin the twist in the tonearm wire and void your warranty. Do this with the mechanical anti-skate if you want that much anti-skate.

[lem321]

Thanks for that warning. Yes, I read that in the Owner's Manual and thought it was a bit tongue-in-cheek. I've never given it more than 2-3 twists and the tonearm cable ends up looking like a pretzel and still making almost NO difference in the anti-skate. Even with the mechanical anti-skate device set at a maximum, the cartridge body/cantilever still leans leftward although less so and the image is much more centered.

[miketuason]

Originally Posted by lem321

Hey Mike,

Thanks for that information. I did install mine and it sounds better although the needle still skates toward the center on a grooveless disc pretty quickly even with the maximum force (3 little o-rings toward the end of the shaft) but it sounds better with the image in the middle. Trying to figure out how to add more anti-skating with the VPI gizmo, maybe more o-rings.

BTW, also on Ferrarichat!

lem321

lem, I agree, somehow the VPI antiskating kit is not enough even with the cable twisted once counter clockwise. So, I added three little washers that has the perfect size ID and that did the trick.

[lem321]

Mike,
That's a great idea! Thanks for those pictures! I'll try to do the same with some washers.
lem321

[miketuason]

Originally Posted by lem321

Mike,
That's a great idea! Thanks for those pictures! I'll try to do the same with some washers.
lem321

No problem lem. Let me know what or how different it made.

[lem321]

Adjusted the antiskate using two washers - almost there; might need a third like you did. The image is definitely more centered. Not sure yet about the overall sound quality but I've been playing around with the VTF, impedance/loading and leveling the arm so there are a lot of moving targets. I think it is improved though and the Lyra designer feels this is the best way to go (i.e. getting the antiskate right).

[Progfan2112]

I thought Michael Fremer showed that using those rubber o-rings on the antiskate device provided way too much force. I actually have my gizmo disengaged from my Scoutmaster.