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Upgrade Tonearm for VPI Aries 3

I have an Aries 3 turntable with JMW 10.5i tonearm.
I bought it new 7-8 years back.

I would like to upgrade the tonearm any suggestions ?
I use a Dynavector XX-2 Cartridge and I'll spend up to $3500 new or used.

I like the sound with the 10.5i but will upgrading the tonearm improve the sound ?

As time goes on I listen to more vinyl , almost every night.
Would it be better to purchase a used turntable with tonearm for $6000 ?

Thanks any input appreciated.
abill
abill OP
80 posts
 
Bifwynne,

I think you hit the nail on the head.
I gave the wire one twist ccw and bam now everything is getting better !

I tweeked in the azimuth everything is getting better and the arm is more stable.
My weight is at 1.96 grams no sss.

Another thing I did was remove almost all of the damping oil in the cup.It made the arm more alive.

It's sooo nice to get back to some nice vinyl.
It will be a late night tonight .

I want to thank all for the comments and I'll post more info later this week.

Thank YOu.
bifwynne
2,206 posts
 
Glad to hear Abill. The JMW arm can do a good job if it's set up properly. But to get to that point .... Anyway, goodluck and happy listening.
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,483 posts
 
Abil...the secret word is Fozgometer...get one, use it and you'll never have to worry about azimuth again.
wlutke
733 posts
 
Be careful with the damping fluid. True, removing most of it will liven things up but, at least on my arm, it also affected the treble. Noticeably the sound of cymbals became harsh. I filled the cup until the arm just contacted the fluid and it was not enough. Half a drop more did the trick.

Bill
abill OP
80 posts
 
Wlutke,

You are correct with the amount of damping fluid.
Eventually I will put a little more fluid in the arm.

But first I want to get everything as perfect as possible without the fluid.
I'm trying to find the happy medium settings where most records sound acceptable.
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