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
arsh OP
367 posts
 
Thanks John. My turntable is a scoutmaster, with significant modifications primarily in terms of vibration isolation. I have aftermarket footers as well as an aftermarket platform for the turntable itself and a separate smaller one for the motor. I have damping weights on the motor and the plinth. In addition I have very good phono cables on it as well as an upgraded VPI record clamp. Finally I have the S DS speed controller. so, it's a little more than a standard scoutmaster. My purpose in making this inquiry was to get a sense for whether that indeed would be too much cartridge for my table. I appreciate your advice.
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.
griffithds
852 posts
 
If the point is to put together the most expensive system, then I would understand the use of $24000 cables.  But if the point is to put together the best sounding system, then why is even any ''price'' mentioned?   
Price doesn't equal or equate quality.  Synergy is what should be the main consideration here.  Not 'price'!
Regards,
arsh OP
367 posts
 
Hi brf,

thanks a lot. I do have the SDS--sorry I didnt list that up front, just in my system list. I do think  it was a worthwhile upgrade.

I had though initially that I would go for the 3D arm when it came out. However, numerous people have steered me away from it (not simple to switch since they don't have a 9 inch one, tricky to set up, build quality issues, etc). I have also considered the platter, but I am concerned that I won't like the sound of a metal platter compared to my acrylic one.
arsh OP
367 posts
 
Could you tell me more about your experience with the 3D arm please? Thanks!
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