Cartridge for JMW 10

I completely agree with Cmo and Dougdeacon. The Shelter would not be a good match for the JMW as this arm is better suited to the higher compliance cart such as the ZYX. I currently have the Aries 2/JMW 10 with a Zyx Fuji SH (0.48mV) into a PH3SE and it is superb.

I think Doug makes a good observation that the faster , more neutral sounding Zyx, may be more satisfying in the long run than one that emphesizes a lush quality. This IMO also.I have owned a few Benz's and a Koetsu Rosewood as a reference and while they sounded nice, the ZYX definately sounds more "real" to me.

Having owned the LS15 and PH3SE both together in my system at one time, I think also that you would do well to seek a output of around 0.4-0.5mV in the cart.

You have very good components in this system. I would try to stretch the budget on the Cart if you could. Mehran at Sorasound will work with you and give you his best deal to try to get you into a better cart. Thats what I did and Im glad I didn't settle for a lesser cart. Good Luck with your choice here.
Ken

Kehut, just curious if you find the need for the VPI 3 gram headshell weights with your cartridge, or is the 5 gram ZYX OK with this arm as is
Carl

Carl,

The 5 gr.ZYX would be too light for the stock 10 arm.What I have is the stock arm without headshell weights. I obtained a light counterweight for the 10 arm from VPI. Its the same as the dropped CW used on the Scoutmaster model...but fits the 10 arm. Sheila took my stock weight in exchange, so it cost nothing to do. Without the lightweight part, I would have needed the headshell weights or the Silver Base option on my ZYX to balance properly.
Ken

Great solution Kehut.

AFAIK ZYX's optional silver weight is only available on the Airy 2, Airy 3 and UNIverse. JMW owners using lower priced ZYX's would have to get the VPI weights or, as you stated, a lighter c/w to increase their effective mass.

Thanks for the suggestion , guys. The counterweight seems the way to go.

Curious, Kehut, if you have run into this with your arm....The cartridge must be installed at the very end of the arm to get the proper position regarding the tracking protractor. This means that when I clost the dustcover, it actually taps the tip of the cartridge, unless I pull it forward a bit.I assumed I must have mounted the cartridge wrong at first, but several checks verify it's where it should be. I use the HWjr Mk4 table, ang gather the base is not designed for a cartidge like this, rather one with the stylus more forward so that there is clearance.
Makes one cautious when having a glass and spinning some discs, let me tell ya!!
Will get the lighter counterweight ASAP.
Thanks again.
Carl