Hi, Naim community, just got a Naim Solstice turntable and struggling to setup the tonearm especially height, the problem is that the stylus is touching the record with the arm lift lever all the way up, in the same time the bubble level is showing the correct level setting. I did all the adjustments like VTF, Azimuth followed the instructions from manual and some other info. and I know about the VTA adjustment and set screw on the back, as I understand if small bubble level is in correct center position that mean VTA is correct, but still have issue with height, and sleep mat is the default .
Does anyone who owns this turntable had an issues with height of the tonearm ? or any help with this issue would be appreciated.
@exiton3 No need to worry- you got this! The arm does appear to be tilted backwards….
You are lucky because you own a “costly and limited edition turntable” which has the facilities to correct and adjust VTA. Unlike some simpler designs, like a Rega for example, which do not allow for simple adjustment of arm height.
Refer to your manual pg.18. You will need to unscrew the set screw in the rear of the arm base. Then rotate the VTA adjustment knob , the tall pillar to the left of the arm cup, to raise the level of the arm assembly. Try to raise until the arm tube appears parallel to the surface of the record when cartridge is engaging the record. Then check your VTF again. Reset to desired tracking force by rotating counter weight at rear of arm. View the cartridge body from the side- it should be parallel to record surface when cartridge is engaging the record.Your photo shows the cartridge body canted backwards. Check with bubble level on top of arm cup.
If this still results in the same situation you currently have, then you will need to adjust the lift mechanism -it may be too low. The lifter has a set screw on the inner left side of the cylinder. If you cannot see it, it is blocked by the protruding base of the arm. There is another, larger, set screw in the base to release the lifting mechanism cylinder. Unscrew and gently tease the cylinder upwards until you can see the inner, smaller, set screw. Loosen this smaller set screw- this allows you to raise the horizontal member of the lift mechanism. Raise this horizontal arm until the cartridge stylus is about 3-5mm above the record surface when in a “UP” position.. (as your photo shows ).
Recheck VTF and make sure bubble level is centered when stylus is engaging record surface ( record is not rotating during this ). That should do it-good luck!
You are welcome! Just go about it slowly when you have plenty of time on hand. These adjustments are a bit consuming but definitely worth your time and effort as you will now have a better understanding of your turntable in the end. Check and recheck as you move along and you will get to the finish line.
Welcome to the Forum and enjoy your new turntable, its a good one
