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  1. #1
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    VPI's New Dual Pivot vs Soundsmith's Counter Intuitive

    The new VPI Dual Pivot eliminates the wobble associated with a unipivot arm. It also makes it easier to adjust the azimuth. But there are some downsides: http://www.analogplanet.com/content/...EOIajGvRLHV.97

    If you don't mind the "wobble", then what about Soundsmith's Counter Intuitive as an option?

    They are different, yet similar in allowing you to adjust azimuth without upsetting the VTF.

    Thoughts?
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  2. #2
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    Re: VPI's New Dual Pivot vs Soundsmith's Counter Intuitive

    Hey Mike.... have you installed/tried one of these yet? I've not had a customer interested, so I've not had one in.

    I've used Soundsmith CI's several times, and they work quite well.
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  3. #3
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    Re: VPI's New Dual Pivot vs Soundsmith's Counter Intuitive

    Quote Originally Posted by sheltie1 View Post
    Hey Mike.... have you installed/tried one of these yet? I've not had a customer interested, so I've not had one in.

    I've used Soundsmith CI's several times, and they work quite well.
    Soon. Early next week.
    My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481

    "We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."

    Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.

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  4. #4

    Re: VPI's New Dual Pivot vs Soundsmith's Counter Intuitive

    Would be interested in the sonic impact, if there is any.

    I'm however now so used to the wobble by now I'm not sure I do mind.


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  5. #5
    Senior Member
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    Re: VPI's New Dual Pivot vs Soundsmith's Counter Intuitive

    Quote Originally Posted by Mike View Post
    The new VPI Dual Pivot eliminates the wobble associated with a unipivot arm. It also makes it easier to adjust the azimuth. But there are some downsides: http://www.analogplanet.com/content/...EOIajGvRLHV.97

    If you don't mind the "wobble", then what about Soundsmith's Counter Intuitive as an option?

    They are different, yet similar in allowing you to adjust azimuth without upsetting the VTF.

    Thoughts?
    I don't see the dual pivot as a replacement for the counterintuitive. the CI can be used to fine tune VTF (by sliding fore and aft) in addition to rotating it side to side (for azimuth). color me skeptical but the dual pivot is no free lunch, you'll have parasitic drag from the 2nd bearing riding along the thrust pad. if using it for azimuth by raising the balance collar on one side you now exert more force on the 2nd bearing, increasing friction.

    In practice it def should eliminate wobble but at what price?

  6. #6

    Re: VPI's New Dual Pivot vs Soundsmith's Counter Intuitive

    The 2nd pivot is a very definite sonic upgrade - and not by just a little. The c/i makes it easier to dial in but does not absolutely lock in azimuth - the 2nd pivot does. The c/i does not make the sound any different at all.

  7. #7
    Senior Member
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    Re: VPI's New Dual Pivot vs Soundsmith's Counter Intuitive

    I installed the kit today and love it! Cuing is so much easier, the cartridge no longer wobbles as it descends nor skates across the first track, and the bass is deeper and tighter. Installation and adjustments took maybe 30 minutes. Count me as one satisfied customer!


    This Nasotech alignment tool was helpful, too. (I have better centered the bubble since I took the picture!)
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VPI's New Dual Pivot vs Soundsmith's Counter Intuitive

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