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Using a Soundsmith Voice cartridge with a 12" FatBoy

I wanted to see if anyone is using a Soundsmith Voice cartridge with a 12" Fat Boy tone arm.

I have a Classic 4 with a 12" fatboy. Using a Dr. Feikert Alignment tool I confirmed my pivot to spindle distance is 300mm.

I tried to set up a Sound Smith Voice cartridge but I am unable to get the proper offset.

With the cartridge moved out to the end of the tone arm as far as it can go the stylus is about 2 mm short of the offset point.

It appears that when using the 300mm PS it is not possible to get the correct offset with the Voice cartridge??

Thoughts suggestions appreciated

Thanks

18 comments

Comments (18)

Richard Bonick

Feb 06

I had a similar issue with the 10 inch FB on a Prime signature and the Hana Umami Red. I couldn't get the cantilever tip to line up with the offset point. I asked one of the VPI reps at the Cap Area Audiofest and he suggested loosening the two screws on the side of the tonearm and gently pull the black portion of the tonearm out the required 2 mms and then re-tighten. This worked for me.

Thanks Rich

Brf

Feb 06

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Replying to

This method of correction assumes an incorrect S2P distance. The vpi vta tower has a couple of mm of adjustment/play that can move during transit. The OP has confirm the correct 300mm S2P distance on his table

jfrazee00

Feb 07

Replying to

Hi Rich Glad to hear a simple solution worked out for you and appears this would solve my problem also. Im hoping to hear from VPI to figure out exactly what version FB I have and the proper P2S distance. In the mean time I will try your solution.

Thanks

Jerry

thegage291

Feb 06

I think the comment about the arm length will fix it, but I note that I have used three Soundsmith carts (MIMC Star, Voice, Paua) on a 12-inch Fatboy with no issues.

jfrazee00

Feb 06

Replying to

Thanks for the response. Glad to know those cartidges including the Voice work with the FB. I would be dispointed if I could not use the Voice. I agree it appears I have the shorter HW40 arm as Brf suggested. I sent some measurements to VPI so they can confirm and provide the correct P2S distance. Thanks

Brf

Feb 01

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I assume that you are using the gimbal's verticals bearing to measure the 300mm S2P distance and not the vta tower

jfrazee00

Feb 03

Replying to

Hi Brf

No worries I appreciate the all your feedback.

I get the same result when using the VIP jig.

I double checked the Dr. Feikert Alignment tool using a ruler and it measured 300mm.

This is not the 1st time setting up a table but have never run into this before.

The only reason I was looking at the cartridge as the possible problem is because I have an Ortofon 2M cartridge that aligns fine with the FB. I noticed on the Ortofon the mounting holes are further back from the stylus than on the Voice which allows the stylus to extend further out from the arm than the Voice .

Soundsmith is going to get back to me and confirm if the Voice cartridge has the same dimensions as the SS Sussurro MkII and a Paua MkI that Tony22 used with the FB.

I think I understand what you are saying about measuring from the pivot point to the tip of the stylus but isnt that measurement variable depending where you mount the cartridge along the cartridge mounting slots?

Thanks again for all your feedback

Brf

Feb 03

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Replying to

Measure the pivot point to the centre line of the tip of the headshell. It should be very close to 313mm. I know of a few instance where customers were inadvertently ship a HW40 tonearm when ordering a 12" Fatboy. If the tonearm is mounted correctly, this is a very plausible explanation.

jfrazee00

Feb 04

Replying to

Hi Brf

Thank you for the clarifiaction how to measure the effective lenght.

I measured 309 mm from the pivot point to the centre line of the tip of the headshell.

Base on this it would appear I have the HW40 FB tonearm and not the standard FB with 313mm effective lenght..

I will follow up with VPI to get confirmation and the corrrect pivot to spindle measurement.

Thanks again for all the help.

Tony22

Jan 30

I can't speak directly to the SS Voice, unfortunately, but I've used both a SS Sussurro MkII and a Paua MkII with my 12" Fatboy Gimbal and both fell into proper alignment with no issue.

jfrazee00

Jan 31

Replying to

Hi Tony22

Thanks for the information. I am also using the gimble 12" FB.

Its hard to tell from just looking at pictures but the SS Sussurro MkII and a Paua MkII look similar to the Voice.

Its strange. I have double checked everything. I have an Ortofon cartridge that aligns properly.

I think I will reach out to Soundsmith to see if SS Sussurro MkII and a Paua MkI have the same dimensions the Voice.

Thanks

Tony22

Jan 31

Replying to

Let us know what they tell you.

jfrazee00

Jan 31

Replying to

I will. Thanks