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VPI JMW setup

I finally decided to get a "big boy" tonearm and retire the Rega, I ended up choosing a JMW9 mem for my HW-19 and am extremly pleased with my decision. Unlike with the rega, I can get about 90% "there" with the jmw in about an hour. Its that last little bit of detail I can't eek out of the jmw that I'm inquiring about. I'm using a grado reference platinum with a 2.5 gram headshell weight like vpi recommends, with harmonic tech crystal silver phono cables and a krell kpe standard. Does anyone have any observations or tricks they could share to save me some time with setup.

Thanks,

Stu
maplin

Showing 6 responses by maplin

maplin OP
20 posts
 
I already own about 7 protractors including the vpi, I'll bite, whats the difference?
maplin OP
20 posts
 
Creativepart, what did you use as your spindle to pivot distance? I started at 223mm and moved in to 222mm and noticed an inprovement. additionally I had noticed a wobble or a lateral bounce from side to side as the cartridge tracked. I added weight via stainless cartridge weights that are a part of my Souther sl-3 setup and set vtf back to where it was before and noticed the wobble disappeared, the image stabilized and overal tracking was improved. Where can I find info on this mint protractor?
maplin OP
20 posts
 
HOLY CRAP, $110 for a protactor. It's really worth it, eh?
maplin OP
20 posts
 
Creativepart, what cart do you use and what is the recommended vtf? I obsessively adjusted the azimuth after my last alignment and it is a major difference being dead on. I think stinggreen is preaching the truth as well. The VPI tractor is good, but not precise enough to hit the bulls eye. I think I may find myself looking more closely at the mint tractor as alternative to the VPI.
maplin OP
20 posts
 
correct me if this is the wrong way to do this, but I simply removed a vial from a cheap level, placed it on the machined groove for azimuth alignment, and centered the vial on the cartridge. voila!
maplin OP
20 posts
 
I've also noticed that the jmw9 mem is much less resistant to hum than my old rega, and really needs to have a good ground. I am using a pair of harmonic tech silver crystal phono cables as well as having made a ground strap for the bottom of my hw19 plith. the difference when disconnecting either the ground wire for the cables or the plinth is very noticable.
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