upgrade from JMW 10 to 10.5 fpr my VPI Aries 1

I don't think going to 10.5 will add the much of an improvement. I'll expalin. I have an Aries I, with a 10.5 arm, clearaudio Victory H. Early this year I purchased another Aries with 12.0 arm, Benz MC 2. I fed the 12 into the same parts of my system. The 10.5 still sounded better. If you want to get real improvement best to go to the HRX, 12.7 arm, super platter. SDS is always a must.

There was only a very small improvement when I went from a 9 Sig. to the 10.5i. In addition to the SDS, and the heavy platter...the best improvement comes with the rim drive.

Are you thinking about the 10.5 or the 10.5i? As noted in the VPI site, the 10.5I is a longer arm and its armtube is not compatible with the 10.0 or 10.5 base. At least the base would have to be repositioned. The 10.5 armtube IS compatible with the 10.0 base. Some time ago, VPI offered a good deal ($300) for a 10.5 armtube if you sent the 10.0 armtube inexchange. I did this, and the 10.5 armtube was quite an improvement sonically. So yes, if you can find one of these armtubes, you will enjoy the results, IMO. Dave

It's possible to upgrade from 10 to 10.5i- confirmed by VPI. Yes, adjustment is needed on the arm board.