My advice is to keep the IO and mount the CJ!! While the Aries/JMW12/Crown Jewel is not in the same league *ultimately* as the IO, it is no slouch! The IO will allow you to hear your setup at it's FULL potential. BTW, I don't believe that a 12" arm obviates the use of a given cartridge based on it's increased mass over a 10" one - The Crown Jewel cartridge should work with the JMW12. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but a 12" arm gives *geometric* advantages over a 10" arm in terms of being closer to the angle at which the groove was cut. The setup and balance of the arm negates the increased mass. Mount it up and give a listen! I'd say that the result should be rewarding. Plus you'll have a state-of-the-art phono stage should you decide to go with a "super table" in a few years - not to mention all that cash left over for LPs! Cheers, -John
Cartridge recs for VPI JMW arm Please
Hello all. I've recently decided to make a small jump into analog and have everything but a cartridge. I have an upgraded VPI Aries TT, JMW12 tonearm, BAT VK-5P phono pre. I'm looking for a couple of good recommendations for cartridges for this set-up. Budget is $1-2k new. I currently have a Crown Jewel SE that a friend will let me demo, but I'm concerned that the JMW12 may be too heavy for it. Please let me know if you think this cartridge will work as he will give it to me for dirt cheap.