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VPI JMW-9 Signature Questions

I just upgraded the stock JMW9 to the JMW9 Signature on my Scoutmaster. Just installed it this evening.

Without even burning it in, I can hear an improvement....more substance and texture to the music, without adding warmth/veiling.

But I have a couple of questions for others using the Signature.

1. How long do the new Valhalla wires require to burn in properly?

2. Do you use the damping fluid or not? If so, how much do you use? What audio difference does it make?

3. Are you using the add-on antiskating device, or just using the VPI recommended wire twist method? Right now I'm using the wire twist because I never thought antiskating was an issue in my previous setup.

4. I thought I read somewhere that one of the upgrades of the Signature is that it allows finer adjustment of VTF. But as far as I can tell, VTF (and azimuth) is still adjusted the same (rather clumsy) way of simply pushing (and turning) the counterweight. Am I missing something?

Thanks for any and all input.
coffee_nudge
nickatkins
82 posts
 
1. They say about 100 hours or so. That seems like an awful lot and I'm not sure if I'm there yet but I've stopped noticing any more improvements. It sounds better than the stock JMW/9 arm and I'm happy for that. I reckon about 10-20 hours will do it (just a guess).

2. Yeah I do but only because I'm now using a low-compliance cartridge (Shelter 501). I have the well filled to about 3 mm from the top.

3. Yep, using the new one. I broke my fishing line so had to buy new nylon wire ($1.50 for 4lb fishing line from WalMart). I can't say I notice much difference (if any) from the standard twisted wire approach, however it looks cool ;-)

4. As far as I can tell, it's the exact same VTF mechanism as before. I was confused about that too.

Hope that helps.

Nick.
slipknot1
1,423 posts
 
I use the same setup that Nick does (except I didn't break the line) I pretty much echo his comments with 2 additional observations:
1. Err on the side of too little when adding the damping fluid. Too much will slow the pace and drive of the music.
2. I opted for the mechanical anti-skate rather than the twist for a couple of reasons. Harry would not have included it if it didn't work (despite market pressure to include it) and at an emotional level, I didn't just pay a lot of extra money for Nordost Valhalla wire in my tone arm only to start twisting it to and fro at the end of the chain. As always YMMV.
exc
2 posts
 
For finer VTF adjustments, there is a screw in the back of the counterweight shaft. Using a 3/16" allen wrench you can back the screw in or out to adjust VTF.

LC
coffee_nudge OP
120 posts
 
Thanks for all your feedback.

I'll let the tonearm burn in for >50 hours or so, then start experimenting with the damping oil. I'm still not convinced that I need more/better anti-skating, but at least I know I can install that mousetrap if I need it.

I was wondering what that 3/16" hex wrench was for, and I noticed it fit in the back of the tonearm, but I didn't want to go in there and just turning stuff without knowing what it was. So, that's the fine adjustment of the VTF....why didn't Harry put that in the manual?

Anyway. Thanks a bunch for the info.
nickatkins
82 posts
 
Talking of screws, anyone know what the one in the top of the tonearm above the pivot point is for?
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