8
C. TRACKING FORCE (VTF):
Tracking force is adjusted by moving the counterweight forward and back
just a bit at a time. At least initially, you will
be setting the tracking force
twice. The first time will be before the cartridge's overhang is set. After
this is done, you will need to double check the tracking force and adjust it
as needed.
The Classic 3 does not have a built-in tracking force gauge, but a Shure
Stylus Force Gauge is supplied with your arm on a new unit. Following
the gauge instructions set the tracking force to the cartridge
manufacturer recommendation plus 1/10 of a gram more. We always
recommend going to the high side when it comes to tracking force. High
frequency vibrations can cause a light-tracking cartridge to cause more
damage to the grooves than running a cartridge at a heavy setting. Make
sure the damping fluid is not installed when setting this force.
VERY IMPORTANT: MAKE SURE THE TONEARM IS PARALLEL TO THE
PLATTER WHEN SETTING THE TRACKING FORCE. IF IT IS NOT THE END
RESULT WILL BE HIGHER OR LOWER VTF THAN YOU WANTED.
In the rear of the counterweight stub there is a large hole, in this hole is
a screw that is used for fine adjustment of VTF. Use the large wrench
supplied for this operation. Most times you will not need this but it is
there if you want to really fine tune. You will need a digital tracking force
gauge to use this feature properly.
D. ANTI-SKATING:
REMEMBER: A 10.5” ARM NEEDS VERY LITTLE ANTI-SKATING FORCE
Anti-skating is one of the least understood forces acting on a tonearm.
Skating force is created by friction between the stylus and the record,
causing a force vector in a direction towards the center of the record
when the headshell of the tonearm has an offset angle. Putting a stylus
down on a flat, groove less record will cause the arm to move toward the
center of the record. Arm manufacturers have tried to compensate for
this force, but that is impossible because the force is constantly changing
as the music and velocity change.
VPI has conducted careful listening tests and determined that every
tonearm we tried sounded better with its mechanical anti-skating disabled
and the tracking force very slightly increased.
VPI has a unique solution to anti-skating: the coiled wire of the JMW
Memorial Tonearm acts as a spring and pushes the arm back without
