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VPI JMW setup

I finally decided to get a "big boy" tonearm and retire the Rega, I ended up choosing a JMW9 mem for my HW-19 and am extremly pleased with my decision. Unlike with the rega, I can get about 90% "there" with the jmw in about an hour. Its that last little bit of detail I can't eek out of the jmw that I'm inquiring about. I'm using a grado reference platinum with a 2.5 gram headshell weight like vpi recommends, with harmonic tech crystal silver phono cables and a krell kpe standard. Does anyone have any observations or tricks they could share to save me some time with setup.

Thanks,

Stu
maplin
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,440 posts
 
The most helpful thing I did to my VPI arm was to adjust it with a Mint protractor. The VPI metal protractor is ok and gets you to the neighborhood, but the Mint takes you into the house. There is a definite sound improvement with the MINT. I protested on these pages, but was urged by others to get it, and now I'm urging others in the purchase.
maplin OP
20 posts
 
I already own about 7 protractors including the vpi, I'll bite, whats the difference?
kmulkey
173 posts
 
Yep, what Stringreen said...the Mint brought out stuff in my Scout/JMW9 that I had never heard before...all good.
creativepart's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
creativepart
154 posts
 
How about the Azmuth? I too have a HW-19. It had a Rega RB300 and with it's mods I loved it. Then just like you I bought a JMW-9 and this has been an improvement as well. I find that getting the Azmuth right really helps the soundstage. That and careful set up.

VPI says to put a light weight stick or straw in the groove of the headshell and measure to see that it's level. I have a very small very light bubble level and I just put that on the headshell. It's amazing how when it looks visually level that it's not.

The sound definitely improves when you get it level. This is something you can't adjust on the Rega.

By the way, I went crazy earlier this week and removed the motor from the standard base mount and affixed it directly to the plinth -- a la the new Classic. Then I put the plinth directly on the base without the pucks (or springs).

I think this made a HUGE improvement in the sound. I spoke with Harry at VPI about it and he was excited to discuss it and encouraged me to keep going in this direction. He now thinks that this is the way to go.
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