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
Contact Larry ( owner ) of Hollywood Sound..An Honest dealer with many years under his belt..He sells VPI and swears by them..He has a world of Technical knowledge and can deal with Vinyl newbies..I purschased a Vintage piece from his personal collection and was treated very nicely..I will eventually ( when I ca afford to ) buy a VPI table from him ......His shop is in Hollywood ,Florida.......
I've been using Garrott Optim FGS with a VPI Scout/JMW9 turntable for quite a while. The Optim FGS is about as good as a MM design gets IMO. It tracks very well, much better than Grado wood bodies I've used. Only problem is, I don't know of anyone that imports that cartridge anymore. It's not available from any US importers I'm aware of at this time. An Australian business, www.decibelhifi.com.au lists it on their website for $1000 Aussie dollars. The Stereotimes review of the Optim FGS (available on the web) concurs with my impressions of the cartridge. I'd also be interested in the new top of the line Nagaoka cartridge, sold by the needledoctor.com, among others.
the garrotts are great...i would check out the new threns 160 hd for a killer turnable
Catfishbob,

I was just thinking of posting an almost identical question...

I can't decide if I should buy something inexpensive to get my feet wet and go up or dive in full force to start. I also haven't had a TT in over 20 years, so set up and the like are real concerns. Should I risk me screwing up an expensive table or start low and work up??

What do you analog guys think?