Tonearm for VPI HW MkIII

Yes, the VPI JMT tonearm is superb. Arguably one of the 2-3 best pivoted arms made today, and compared to the top-end arms it is a real bargain. If you are looking for a good used tonearm, I have a Sumiko Premier FT-3 that I have been using on my own VPI HW-19 Mk 3, which I have just upgraded to the Mk 4 version. I have replaced the Sumiko with a Rega RB900. If you are interested in my Sumiko, contact me at this E-mail: SDCamp1113@cs.com. Thanks, Scott

I OWN A VPI-19-MK111 WITH A ET-2 ARM. THE ET-2 IS VERY COMPLEX TO SET UP, BUT ONCE IT IS DONE IT IS AS EASY AS ANY OTHER ARM TO MAINTAIN. I HAVE NOT HEARD ANY OF THE NEWER ARMS . I'VE HAD MY ET-2 FOR SIX YEARS AND HAVE HAD NO PROBLEMS TO SPEAK OF. S

I have the VPI JMW Memorial Tonearm on my VPI mk4 turntable and Ilove it. I upgraded from an Audioquest PT6 arm, and it was the most significant upgrade that I have ever made [and I have made a lot of upgrades]. If you get one you will not regret it. It is a beautiful tonearm.

Ditto for the JMW Memorial and at the price of $1200 it is a steal!

Ramstl: where do you buy the arm for $1200, apart from used ?

Now that the JMW is going through an upgrade (to version 10.5), it is being heavily discounted. I saw a couple of advertisers selling it new for $1299 or thereabouts. Hope this helps.

That is the suggested retail price, $1,299.99. You can buy it for that price at any authorized dealer, usually less. If you don't have one in the area try Audio Classics in Vestal, NY. The great thing about the JWM Memorial 10 and 12 is that they can now be upgraded to 10.5 and 12.5 status.

Thanks for the info, guys; I would not have known this otherwise. I'm following up with the local VPI dealer - need something to replace my aged Syrinx PU-3, which I'm using on an HW19MkIV. Any of you use the JMW with a Koetsu (a voluptuous cartridge that's as gorgeous as a full, fat, Chablis) ? - I have the Rosewood.

I traded in an Audioquest PT-6 tonearm when I got my VPI and ended up getting the VPI for $895. What a deal!

Hi Slowhand, Was the $895 for a brand new arm or for a used arm. If you could provide further info., I'd appreciate it greatly. Thanks.

I tried a Dynavector 507 MK1 and was astounded at the level of mid range information that it delivered. I believe that It was the turntable that assisted to get the most from the tonearm. A decade later I now have a VPI HW MK3, with a TNT V platter/bearing, SAMA, and a VPI JMW10" upgraded to the latest 10.5i ..even better again!

You can get about 90% of the performance of the JMW 10.5 by making a couple of judicious improvements onto the basic JMW 10 arm ($1299 from Music Direct, Elusive Disc, etc.). The first is to buy the upgraded, sunk counterweight for $100 from one these vendors. The second is to buy the VPI tonearm cable. The last (which I haven't done yet) is to buy the VPI anti-skate device. For about $1650, this is nothing short of a true bargain. Add on an air isolation stand (buy used from Ebay for around $400) and you have a major improvement over your current setup.

ET 2 or 2.5!