An arm to live with for years to come




I need some help from my fanatics and neurotics :-)
I am trying to fully "trick-out" my VPI HW 19 Mk IV
and now have only my tone arm to upgrade. I am torn between
the JMW 9 and 10 and SME IV and V. I just want to get the rig to the point where I can fully concentrate on software--help me I am almost there!

I have the following:
MK IV with latest Aries bearing and platter & Tip-toes
SDS
SAMA on black diamond racing cones
Grado Statement Series Reference
Steel Delrin clamp
John Boo's 2.5" Maple cutting board
AQ PT-9+ (anaconda)
anacondastan

Showing 1 response by albertporter

I've owned that same turntable and tried several arms, but not the ones your considering. Based on my experience with that table and listening to tonearms in many other situations, I would go with the SME IV or V (of the ones you list).

If you want a unipivot design like the JMW, you should consider the Graham. Preferably a Tungsten series, as late a model as funds will permit.

If the Walker motor controller works on that model VPI, it would improve performance as much as your tonearm choice. I was stunned at how much the Walker improved the TNT, even over the VPI controller offered as original equipment.