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VPI Prime - Surface Noise from Right Channel

I think I have set-up my VPI Prime correctly but... I'm getting a lot of "surface noise" from the right channel and nearly no surface noise at all from the left channel. This occurs on nearly every record I play but is more pronounced on noisier records. My guess is anti-skate. Per VPI's advice, I do not have the anti-skate installed. I've tried rotating the Lemo connector one way and the other with minimal difference. Where would you point me first for troubleshooting? Thanks in advance!

6 comments

Comments (6)

russelhawkins6

May 27

It sounds like you're having trouble with surface noise on the right channel of your VPI Prime. Here are a few steps to troubleshoot:

Check Cartridge Alignment: Ensure the cartridge is properly aligned.
Verify Tonearm Balance: Make sure the tonearm is balanced correctly.
Experiment with Anti-Skate: Even though VPI advises against it, try adjusting the anti-skate.
Inspect the Stylus: Check for wear or damage.
Check Connections: Ensure the Lemo connector and all cables are secure and properly seated.

usa.cd.genomics

May 17

I also feel puzzled. whole genome sequencing bacteria

thegage291

May 15

Regarding whatever alignment the VPI gauge results in, I recently checked it against the Feickert NG protractor and it seems closer to Baerwald than Stevenson, but not exactly either.

JohnK

Tony22

May 13

Hi Jonathan. It could be anti-skate, might very well be as no AS would theoretically put more pressure on the inner - left- groove wall. But before focusing on that…

What cart is it?
What tool(s) did you use to set it up?
Alignment type (Lofgren etc…)
Tracking force?
Does the surface noise stay consistent across the whole side of a record?

Jonathan Brimfield

May 13

Replying to

Tony,

I mostly followed a combo of this video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfJnMtolAWo&t=462s) and the VPI set-up manual.

Cart: Lyra Delos
Tools: Level table; VPI set-up jig, Nasotec Cart and VTA alignment, VTF: Digital Scale, Azimuth: L/R Tone Test Track & Parks WaxWing aziumuth test, Anti-Skate: float tonearm and adjust with tonearm wire
Alignment type: I...don't know? I used the VPI jig.
Tracking Force: 1.8g
When I experience this, this right channel distortion/surface noise is consistent throughout the record.

One update: This phenomenon is most pronounced on older records with more wear. Having read a lot of forums on this, it seems that what I'm experiencing is common on records that were played back in the day on poorly set-up turntables and there really isn't anything I can do to overcome it. My results are MUCH better on newer records that are in better condition.

Thanks!

Jonathan

Tony22

May 13

Replying to

Okay. The VPI jig uses a Stevenson alignment (more or less - I'm not entirely certain it's exactly a Stevenson alignment). The null points for Stevenson favors less distortion at the inner (closer to the spindle) grooves, but based on what else you've said I don't think this really matters.

What you said about this being more prominent on older records may point to what's really going on, but if you have time (just to try an alternative method), maybe use Peter Lederman's technique for checking anti-skate.

Anti skating part 1 of 2 - Soundsmith - Peter Ledermann (youtube.com )

Anti skating part 2 of 2 - Soundsmith - Peter Ledermann (youtube.com )

There's a small possibility of having some horizontal friction in the arm, but let's not go there just yet. 🙂