Audiophilepure

The vertical tracking angle (VTA) has to be adjusted too. This means adjusting it so the tonearm is parallel to the surface of the platter when an LP is on the platter. For the VPI Dragon, there is a large black dial with markings on the sides for adjusting the angle. In the photo below, you can see the dial in the center, as well as the gimbal tonearm bearing, the cartridge electrical wires, the hydraulic tonearm lift lever, and the counterweight at the rear of the tonearm. There is a black knob at the rear end of the tonearm counterweight which is rotated to adjust the tracking force.  There are two thumb screws you need to loosen in order to adjust the VTA dial. They are labeled “VTA Thumb Screw” in the second photo (diagram) below. You can also see a small nylon string that is attached to the tonearm and a weight at the other end. This is the anti-skate mechanism.

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I tested this by trying two other cartridges that are easily distinguished from the Jo No5, one rather ‘cool’ sounding, yet the vivacity of Wilson’s delivery was undiminished. I did the same with another singer of similar intensity but a completely different mien, Judee Sill via her eponymous debut from 1971.

While the Wilson album is brassy and bold in places, Sill’s exquisite singer-songwriter effort is in the early Joni Mitchell vein. As intimate as any work in the genre, the superb sound of this 45rpm 2LP pressing digs deeper, and both Sill’s delicate singing and piano playing were showcased perfectly by the C-Dur. Conversely, they enabled the deck to perform of its best – and please note that I was listening to it in absolutely stock form, as befits any review.

If any instruments embody the capabilities of the C-Dur, it’s the two most difficult to reproduce: voice and piano. In tandem, as Sill’s were heard here, the C-Dur displayed proficiencies so close to decks at twice the price that it is now my reference in the £3000-£5000 sector. Yes, it’s that good.