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JMW9 setup tracking problems... need help

Hi,
After almost 20 years I decided to return to analog. Looking for a good TT, found here in Audiogon a VPI Super scoutmaster with JMW9 arm in perfect condition and decide to buy it. I follow all the setup procedure: first level the turntable; then lower to arm until is parallel with the plate (to get that I had to lower the arm up to its lowest point); use an arm load meter to set up the traking force(I use a Denon 103R cartridge at 2.88g; little bit high of its higher set up of 2.8g); and rotate the counterweight to get perfect lateral balance; and finally I use the alignment jig to setup the perfect placement of the cartridge in the headshell. Everything looks OK but each time that I try to play a record the stylus runs across the vinyl and jumps half a song or more and sounds are sometimes (not always) intermitent. In inner grooves stylus track better b ut not perfect.
Maybe this is a silly question but dont know what else to try (I recheck everyhting and all looks ok) and VPI is not open until the 7th and will love to spend this holidays enjoying this grate TT. Thanks in advance
jorsan
johnbrown
195 posts
 
Veridian-

Nice response-analytical backed with experience. Though I've not tried the dl-103 series on 20 (!) arms, I do have some experience. I've got a couple of DL-103Rs, a DL-103, a 103r with VdH Type 1 cantilever and stylus, and a Zu 103r. My arms include a JMW 12.5, SME 3012, SME M2-12, SAEC WE-308, SAEC WE-317, Rega RB-300, and a couple of others. I agree that a higher-mass arm (I'm a fan of 12" models) are more conducive to the compliance characteristics of the 103-series, but even so my past experience with the JMW-9, with added weight, was very satisfying. Maybe not the absolute best that can be wrung out of that cart, but still-very good. Were I the OP, I'd enjoy the 103r through it's effective stylus life, and then try a re-tip with a more compliant cant. Were he willing to spend a bit more money, the Dynavector DV-20lo is a nice(er) match to that arm.

BTW, agree absolutely with your note vis-a-vis the VTF/AS relationship. I think the OP had advice that, at best, was well meaning but derived from a calculator, not real-world experience. As I said, I'd drop the VTF down to 2.5.
johnbrown
195 posts
 
Note to Veridian-
My post above was written referencing your post *before* your one above this one-take that into account when reviewing context. Looks like we're pretty much in agreement.
rudolffzigray
31 posts
 
look a dL 103 should track noproblem at all of the vtf's you tried, 1.5 to 3.0 something is wrong. Look at the pivot. Make sure it is not bent or damaged. Also look under the wand and make sure the bearing is ok, no cracks or something stuck, obstructing the pivot point. Start over. Try many records. Also question the Denon. Something is wrong. Take multiple pics as it is currently and send them to me or all of us. I will respond tomorrow morning. Its something.
jorsan OP
178 posts
 
Just drop the weight to 2.5g and seems that everyhting is working perfect now: cartridge tracks several LPs with no flaws so Im enjoying my TT at last!. In a near future will try the 3 gram headshell weight to compare.
Instead of modify the cartridge with the wood case option and the extra dollars that I have to expend on that, is not better to hear from you some recomendations of cartridges that can works its best with this arm? look, Im very happy with the sound that Im getting now but, beacause is not easy for me to compare with other opptions, your experience could help me to get the best of my new TT; the idea is not to compare this unit with others (IM not going to change this TT) but to hear recomendations for this expecific configuration. Lets assume a ceiling of one thousand to expend. Thanks
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