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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
 
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.
kennyt's avatar
kennyt
1,226 posts
 
I have been told by several folks that I'll be fooling myself with a cheap <$2K TT and have of course been looking at higher models....

I am looking @ and Avid Diva II or Volvere w/SME 309 arm, undecided about cart at this point.

Anyone???

Bueler??
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,470 posts
 
I changed the VPI 9 Sig to the 10.5. on a Supersoutmaster with heavy platter using a Benz Ebony LP. There is an audible improvement, but it is very incremental. The big difference is that the 10.5 allows very precise repeatable VTA adjustment. If you change VTA often, then the 10.5 is the arm to get...if you set the arm so that it performs optimally with all your LP's, it may not be so cost effective. I find the 9 Sig to be a top notch arm and certainly good enough for me. I might bring your attention to http://www.high-endaudio.com/RC-Tonearm.html
arnold_layne
141 posts
 
i had been using what I would called "mid fi" turntables for a long time. When I decided it was time to go "audiophile" grade on a turntable, I was willing to spend about $2K on a TT/Arm combo. I purchased a VPI scoutmaster / JMW9 arm combo for $2K used. This was my first experience with a unipivot arm. After doing much research on the internet and asking questions here I was able to set it properly using the correct tools. The great plus to VPI turntables is the upgrades that are available. You can start off with the "base" model and upgrade things like tone arm, platter, add on things like the SDS speed controller, rim drive, periphery ring.

Steve
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