2. analog
  3. 119329-538

Should I consider a cartridge upgrade?

How "much" cartridge is too much?
Hi All,

I currently am very happy with my VPI Scoutmaster/JMW9/Soundsmith Paua/edensound Terracone footers/Edensound Terrastone platforms for TT and separate for motor/edensound brass damping weights for motor and plinth/Transparent Reference MM2 phono/Herron VTPH-2 analog setup.

I have another year or more before I need my Paua retipped.

I am wondering how much higher I can go with cartridge price/performance with this setup and still reap the benefits of the cartridge? I used a Zephyr Mk II before that, which I love; I did notice a significant improvement going to the Paua.

I know some will suggest just buying a different TT, but this was my late father's table, and I would like to stick with it.

By the way, the current setup sounds awesome, so I will be fine with retipping my Paua and sticking with it if that seems best.

Thanks for your thoughts!
Arsh

Main System:

VPI Scoutmaster, Soundsmith Paua, VPI SDS, Transparent Reference MM2 phono, Herron VTPH-2, Herron IC, Musical Fidelity NuVista CDP, Transparent Ultra MM and Transparent digital cable, Musical Fidelity NuVista 800, Transparent Reference MM2 SC, Wilson Audio Sasha, Transparent Powerbank 8 and Transparent power cords, Terracones and Terrastone platforms, Atacama Equinox rack.

arsh

Showing 2 responses by brf

brf
1,715 posts
 
You have a very good cartridge.  Possible upgrades include: 

1) Change the JMW 9 arm for a JMW 10 3D.  VPI will sell you a mounting board that attaches to your old JMW 9 plinth holes and is drilled for the 3D arm.  Easy replacement/upgrade

2) Add a motor controller like the VPI SDS, Phoenix Eagle, or the Walker.  I have owned both the Walker and the SDS and their performance is almost identical

3) If you have an older acrylic platter, you can replace it with the VPI Classic platter - very nice improvement in sound

Anyone of the above upgrades will sound like you have a new cartridge and will give you a higher level of performance.  If you choose to do nothing, don't sweat it because you have a VERY nice front end set up.
brf
1,715 posts
 
Your JMW 9 is a 9 inch arm and VPI does not make a direct swap out 9 inch 3D arm, therefore, you can purchase a 10" 3D arm and VPI will provide you with a mounting plate that attached to your SS plinth to make sure that your new longer 3D tonearm is properly aligned with the correct spindle to pivot distance. 
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