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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
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
the garrotts are great...i would check out the new threns 160 hd for a killer turnable
kennyt's avatar
kennyt
1,226 posts
 
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?
photon46
1,085 posts
 
Kennyt & Cfbob, you ask a very subjective question....so it's hard for someone who doesn't know you well to give meaningful advice. One person's beaucoup bucks is another's chump change. That aside, I'd ask; how dextrous and patient are you? Tonearms like VPI that implement azimuth and tracking force adjustments by moving the same weight in different directions/rotations can be a test of patience and coordination. If you are a bit of a klutz, I'd consider a tonearm that implements each adjustment with a discrete adjustment. I've got good hand eye coordination, close up vision, and patience and I don't consider VPI set up (done well) painless at all. The advice to consult with a longtime expert dealer like Hollywood Sound or Audiofeil is wise, don't hesitate to benefit from their experience.
catfishbob OP
44 posts
 
Kennyt....you mirror my feelings exactly. I wonder how much I will enjoy vinyl. Ive been going through some of my old vinyl and am excited by the prospects. I only wish I could be close enough to one of these dealers so I could meet face to face and hear the product.

Photon46.....Klutz?.....Moi?...probably. What arms do you consider user Friendly?
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,470 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
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