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Back in the vinyl saddle again.

Since my divorce 8 years ago, I have not used my turntable and have been spinning CD's, followed by streaming. As a result, I decided to sell the turntable, along with the roughly 1,000 albums I still had.

To that end I set up the turntable so I could demo it for potential buyers.

Unfortunately, once I played first record, I was hooked again. Now I am mired in another rabbit hole and I am in need of some advice and recommendations.

Current setup is a VPI Scoutmaster (circa 2006) w/JMW 9 arm and a Clearaudio Virtuoso Wood MM cartridge. The cartridge is probably overdue for either replacement or retipping. Related equipment are a Musical Fidelity MX-VYNL phono stage, Musical Fidelity M6si integrated, ATC SCM19 speakers and a REL bass array.

My questions are:

1. Should I keep the VPI or sell it and use the money to buy something newer? If I decide to buy, can you recommend any possible replacement? Budget, perhaps $2,000 CDN ($1,500 USD). 

2. If I keep the VPI, can someone please tell me the real effective mass of the JMW 9 (2006 version) I have? I have read it is anywhere between 7.7 and 10.2. Which doesn't really help.

3. Likewise, if I replace the Virtuoso Wood cartridge, what is a good replacement? Either MM or MC. I am considering a Dynavector XX2 MkII if it is a good match for the JMW9. Also, what do you think about buying used cartridges? Is it an option?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

tony1954
2psyop's avatar
2psyop
1,755 posts
 

Look at the Soundsmith Zepyhr III cartridge. It's very nice with VPI turntables. That is what I have.

tony1954's avatar
tony1954 OP
1,197 posts
 

@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?

jallan
332 posts
 

As someone who upgraded recently from an Aurender N100H to an N200, I endorse the idea that this represents a huge improvement in sound. 

tony1954's avatar
tony1954 OP
1,197 posts
 

@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.

tony1954's avatar
tony1954 OP
1,197 posts
 

@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.

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