This is what I posted over on the VPI forum:
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I received the software the week before last and had it up and running last weekend. I set the cart up initially with the supplied VPI jig and set the azimuth by hand/eye. This was my "learning weekend" with the software, and the measured results after various adjustments already showed quite a difference - especially the azimuth. For example, by "hand/eye" adjustments the azimuth measurements were around 26 db on the left and 34 db on the right and after using the software I had them nicely balanced around 28.5 db.
This weekend I also tried out the Mint Best Protractor. Now I had to rely upon my patience and not so steady hands. Still, I think I saw the stylus needed a very slight adjustment and I then ran Analog Magik again. This time I managed to get the azimuth slightly higher to around 28.75 for each channel. The biggest difference was the measured results seemed to be more consistent whilst the tracks were being played. Before the cart adjustment with the Mint, the measured results seemed to fluctuate more whilst the test tracks were being played.
I'll include my test results here. I have no idea if these are "good" or "bad" results for my setup with the VPI Prime Signature and Benz Micro LPS. For example, the published spec of my cart is 35 db for channel separation, but I'm only getting 28.75, but the AM site says they rarely see measurements over 30 db.
The only reading that seems a little whacky is the VTA, but with my first usage of AM the readings were around 12% (which is very high/poor).
I'm really pleased with the software. So, how does the vinyl sound now? More precise I'd say. More detailed and accurate - everything feels better balanced with better imaging. How do I know it's not just my imagination? My expensive DAC now sounds worse
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I don't really give it too much thought as things improved after I slightly adjusted the zenith and then measured with AM (which showed improved measurements after the slight adjustment). All other measurements are very good and my Benz cart/sytlus is very difficult to adjust as it's tricky to see the cantilever when using the Mint (or any other type of protractor).
; others like me feel better with a little measured help.
Yes. I also have both and have seen the same sort of difference between the two. Richard (Mak) of AM had indicated to me in an email that AM will show lower channel separation numbers, but that AM is producing a better result if all aspects that are measured via AM are optimized. My Benz LP-S typically shows separation numbers on the order of 8 dB better when done on AP+. As to which one sounds better, I'll have to admit that once I slog through all of the tweaks needed to get through all the alignments in AM it does sound very nice indeed. Maybe a bit more refined and smoother than when done via AP+, but it's not likely a user would be dissatisfied after using either*. Both tools can help, especially if someone needs that sort of quantitative feedback. However, I've seen Harry Weisfeld set up carts in less than 2 minutes with nothing more than a VPI jig and a (amazingly accurate) guess at CW position for VTF that sound absolutely perfect. Some people have the gift
* Although I admit it does bother me that channel separation, which is a fairly simple ratio measurement between signal voltages off each channel, can yield these rather large differences between the two. I have not been disappointed in the listening, however.
I don't know - I expect he takes a bit more care with his home and show setups than what I've seen a couple of times at the House. These were examples of quick cart changes that were done as a sort of "on the fly" desire to hear the same album with a different cart. I was just surprised at how good the results were. I'm guessing he's not that casual with purposeful setups.
It's likely that the test tracks are in different locations on the 33 vs 45 LPs. Assuming a pivot arm, a different relative location from the null point is likely to exhibit different crosstalk characteristics. Also the rotational speed difference technically should be compensated for with different anti-skate settings (which obviously nobody does). If you don't, it will affect observed crosstalk. Lastly, the LPs themselves could have small differences as you noted. Nevertheless, I'd contend that Analog Majik is doing its job.
Having once owned a VPI table, my own experience is different. It does affect the listening experience, and it's also no coincidence that without anti-skate, cantilevers end up bending over time.Yes, Vienna, we have seen HW's comments on these matters. All I can say, my friend, is that I sat through many an album at Harry's house and at VPI House and have yet to hear any evidence of distortion artifacts disturbing my listening.
Feickert's measurements are likely incorrect in absolute terms. Cartridge manufacturers will tell you that separation over 30dB is exceptionally rare to see. Yet it seems with Adjust+ to be fairly common. This isn't necessarily important though, so long as Adjust+ provides repeatable measurements that enable you to converge on the point of least crosstalk accurately. I think it does.
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