Back in the vinyl saddle again.

@ghdprentice 

My digital end is just fine for now. That is why I was selling the turntable and records.

Aurender N100 to Denafrips Iris DDC to Denafrips Pontus II.

Retipping the Clearaudio cartridge is certainly the least expensive option, but would render me analogless for however long the retipping would take.

@jasonbourne71 

That makes sense. The Hana SL MkII was on my short list.

I also have a Supex 900 Super with a snapper cantilever that I could get fixed as well. Unfortunately I have no idea if it would be a good match for the arm.

@yogiboy 

The 10.2 effective mass is for the later version of the JMW9, not the 2006 version.

@hickamore 

But, it's not about improving my streaming setup. It's about reacquainting myself with analog.

@elliottbnewcombjr 

First. Thanks for the detailed and on topic response.

Funny that you mention the Quartz Locked Direct Drive option. Until a few months ago, before I decided to sell everything, I had planned to build a new turntable. To that end I had picked up a Technics SL150 Mk II and a Jelco SA750DB, but now regretfully ended up selling both.Thanks for the recommendation on the AT 33PTG/2. It fits my budget and I will add it to the list.

Regarding the snapped cantilever on the Supex. I would love to blame my cat, but it was totally my fault and one more reason to avoid overindulgence.

If I do sell the VPI, do you have any suggestions for direct drive turntables with removable headshells?

@2psyop 

Thank you for the recommendation.

The Soundsmith might be out of my budget, but who knows. I am selling about 500 records, so circumstances may change. Cheers.

@rsf507  I am in

I am in Vancouver, Canada.

Records are in good to excellent condition.

@tooblue 

Finally, an actually answer to the effective mass question. 8.7 seems about right.

I did try to get an answer from VPI, but they have had a flood at there business, so no response yet.

Not too sure about doing a stylus replacement myself, but if you can send a link I will check it out.

Thanks again.

@bassbuyer 

No Aerosmith yet.

Oscar Peterson, Linda Ronstadt, Tool, Friday Night in San Francisco, Mark Knopfler with Emmylou Harris, Tim Buckley, Roy Buchanan and others.

@ghdprentice 

I think nostalgia is part of it, but it is also comparing analog and digital. This is the first time I have had both options available to me and it's something I would like to explore a bit. It is fine to say that digital can achieve the same level as analog, but can I do that without the type of budget you have at your disposal and can I do it without having an analog system as a reference point?

@elliottbnewcombjr 

I do love the look of those vintage Japanese direct drives. I had a Micro Solid 5 back in the day that I gave to my sister. Maybe I should borrow it for a few days.