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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
6,467 posts
 
This is how I adjust for azimuth with my VPI 10.5i. I use the rod method, however, it is difficult to see accurately if the rod is truly horizontal....so..... I use a Cardas wood block (looks kind of like a domino). I took 2 of the blocks, and added a metal washer on top of each one. I put one under each end of the rod that is resting on the tonearm headshell...with the cartridge cued down on a record. If you position the 2 blocks under those ends, and if you made the blocks/washer, be just high enough to barely touch the rod ends, or slightly lower, it is very easy to square up the arm.
jazzgene
145 posts
 
I think the point of Adjust is to reveal the shortcoming of the visual method.

Having the cartridge at a 90 degree angle visually does not guarantee correct azimuth...
creativepart's avatar
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creativepart
154 posts
 
I found the JMW9 hum problem to be best solved with good SHIELDED cables from the junction box to the phonostage. I do still need a ground wire from the junction box ground screw lug to the phonostage and I also tie that junction box ground wire into the ground wire that exits out the bottom of the tonearm shaft.
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