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new turntable/setup advice.....garrot Optim FGS

Im looking for My first TT in years. I dont have any local dealers so I will probably be ordering the gear. I have been reading everything here for several months and now I am ready to pull the trigger. I am weighing several decisions.

1) Do I start off with some sort of starter table? Rega P-3 or the like. Or do I jump in "Whole Hog" and get a Scoutmaster or something similar that can be upgraded.

I'm leaning toward the VPI line because I understand the setup is pretty painless. So a couple of questions about the VPIs.

2)Is the JWM-9 "signature " A really good upgrade over the standard JWM-9. Other than the wire upgrade are there other features such as more versatile settings.

2) Ive had a recommendation of the Garrot Optim F.G.S. MM cart. I would like some info from someone using this cart.

Sorry if Im rehashing old posts but I have read everything that I could find.
catfishbob
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,475 posts
 
I find that VPI stuff is very easy to install and get running well. The factory is always helpful with a real desire to make their customers happy. I find that they don't shmooze, but in simple E=mails can solve any problem with their products. ...and then there are all of us in Audiogon-land just waiting to help. I know after I do a major VPI upgrade(changed the 9 Sig for the 10.5i) that turns out well, I'm especially happy and proud of what I did, and also, it is a great learning experience. Don't be chicken...just do it
photon46
1,086 posts
 
No offense meant Catfish. I've just worked with some guys who really don't do well with small parts and fussy adjustments. If you take your time and don't get impatient, it's really not hard to do. When I say it's not painless, I mean you just have to be prepared to make the same adjustment more than once to get everything dialed in to the nth degree. Sometimes I've changed cartridges and everything went smooth as silk and I was done in 40 minutes. Sometimes (last Sunday,) things didn't settle as well on the first try and it took me an hour and a half to get things right. Stringreen is right, you just have to jump in the deep end and learn to swim.
kennyt's avatar
kennyt
1,226 posts
 
OK,

I am considering something from $1-2K for an entry try it and see, would go $5K for a solid rig.

Suggestions??
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
in the 1 to 2k range(new) its tough to better the latest incarnations of the timeless dual.
catfishbob OP
44 posts
 
Ive been traveling so I havent been near a computer.......thanks for your responses. Im still interested to find out the differences between various VPI tonearms. i.e, the JWM 9 vs the JWM-9 signature.......or the 9 vs the 10 or the 10.5. I wonder what adjustment features are considered worthwhile for the money.
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