Just got my Scoutmaster, need setup suggestions...

Just back from RMAF and the Roy Gregory analog demonstration was nothing short of revelatory as far as the differences minute adjustments make esp. to VTA and alignment but also the postion of the cartridge in the headshell. I know very little myself but I know what I heard. Both he and Richard Foster demoed the averaged "prescribed" VPI set-up vs one with more care and the use of a better than supplied protractor using same arm and cartridge on a VPI TNT HRX with Lyra Titan. Man it was the difference between hearing ordinary subdued sound without any real objections and having the singer sing directly for you, fully present- all the difference in the world. At all times it was played on a first rate system with 20K Zanden phono pre and at least 25K worth of CJ and Nordost. It totally threw my usual beliefs about better components and better synergy always equalling better sound out the window. Set-up is absolutely vital and probably their prescription on set-up rather than anyone else's. Let me say: Beg, borrow or steal to get that knowledge and get it right if you paid a dime for your VPI.

I was able to "fix" the counterweight on the back of the JMW9 tonearm and get it to be a bit more balanced. However, I am now away from my TT and I just read the prior posts talking about the Azimuth. I get what the Azimuth is now, but I was not able to tweak/work on this aspect as of yet.

The image has definitely improved and has gone from the right and it is now pretty centered. The only problem I have is I feel it should have more weight to the central vocal image.

What else can I do to improve vocal weight?

The mirrored protractor from turntablebasics.com will help a lot with the adjustments and fine tuning. You will need to set the overhang, azimuth, zenith, vta and re-check the downforce. VTA/SRA and downforce are affected by changes to either, so re-check downforce after each VTA/SRA adjustment.
Riding slightly tail down will have fuller sound with less emphasis on highs. Also don't forget to let your cartridge break in for about 100 hours. During which you periodically check the VTF as cartridge suspension settles.

Anyway it is tough to do all the adjustments and fine tuning without a good protractor. I wasted enough time trying to fine tune the table until I bought the mirrored protractor.

Good luck.

Someone's please define the following:
Overhang
Azimuth
Zenith
VTA
Downforce
SRA
VTF

Btw, thanks for the input Audphile1. Also, what did you mean by riding "slightly tail down"?

Ghanson:

Do you recall the details of the set up Roy Gregory used?
Which protractor?
How did he set azmuth & antiskate?
Did he actually do the set up at the demo, or just have 2 arms adjusted differently?
Jim