2. analog
  3. 1381744109

VPI Scout cartridge compliance

I have acquired a VPI Scout with a JMW-9t (not signature) tonearm. The table didn't come with a cartridge, so I have been using a Shure M97xE that I had laying around (and it works amazingly well). I've been reading a number of forums that state a JMW-9t arm needs a medium to high compliance cartridge due to its relatively low mass. I've also seen literature for the low compliance Soundsmith Zephyr that states it was designed specifically for VPI arms. Which is right? What do I want to accomplish here?
bobana0
zd542
5,339 posts
 
" I have been using a Shure M97xE that I had laying around (and it works amazingly well)"

" Which is right? What do I want to accomplish here?"

What's the next level up from amazingly well?
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,505 posts
 
Don't worry about the small stuff. If it stays in the groove and sounds good...what more could you want??
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
In general, VPI recommends cartridges that weigh at least 7 grams with a compliance of 10 or higher for their tone arms to work their best. The Zephyr weighs 10.3 grams and has a compliance of 10. I see that your Shure M97xE weighs 6.6 grams (close enough), but I can't find any listed compliance.

I would echo the above two replies, that if the Shure sounds great to you, then don't worry about it, just enjoy the music.
czarivey
5,946 posts
 
Next level of "amazingly well" cannot be published due to the site moderation guidelines.
More to discover