JMW-9/Cartridge Problem

Will try to get ahold of vpi today to see about a smaller weight or spacers. I'm using the same shure scale.

I am perplexed at your difficulty. I have the same cartridge & arm and have had no problem dialing in anything between 1.5-2.0 grams using the standard dropped counterweight that came with the turntable/arm from VPI. No additional weight was required. No offense pointing out a seemingly obvious thing, but did you check to make sure all is ok with the Shure gauge? I have had the pivot point get sticky & bind on ocassion.

I had to order another weight than the standard for my Dyna karat.

I just installed a Clearaudio Sigma (4.5gms) on a JMW9 the other day. Clearaudio supplies a lead shim to add in case the counterweight is not light enough for the cart. I don;t know if VPI makes a counterweight smaller then what is supplied with the JMW9. I know they have heavier but not lighter counterweights

I had the same problem using a Karat with my JMW-9. I contacted VPI and they sent me a headshell weight at no cost. Adds weight AND mass. They also recommended against a lighter counterweight as it will further lower the overall mass of the tonearm.