JMW 9 maybe likes to track carts lighter


I am finding out that I am getting better results with tracking my carts towards the lighter side of the recommended force of the cartridge with the JMW 9 Memorial. For instance, my Glider recommended force is between 1.8 and 2.0. I was tracking my Glider close to 2.0. I was just not right. Then down to 1.95, still hearing tracking error, but more air. I read that when you get tracking error that you should increase the tracking force. The manual actually says to track heavier to alleviate antiskate related performance issues. I was caught up with that for quite a while. Then I decided to try going lighter. Right now I am around 1.7 (little above) and it tracks great. My antiskate issues have decreased and the cart just tracks more accurately with tons more air, a lot less distortion, and a lot less innr groove distortion. So maybe depending on what the cartridge wants to see could mean more than just going heavier. Maybe I will keep this table and arm after all. If you have a JMW arm, you might be pleasantly suprised if you try this. I thought lighter would be worse, not better. I am always learning in this hobby.

I am using an old Shure tracking force gauge. I am wondering about the accuracy. I may get a digital gauge as I can see how critical this is.
tzh21y

Showing 2 responses by jdaniel13

I'm glad you've found improvement but there shouldn't be any issues at all. Listen to a $20 thrift '80's **competently** engineered TT with perhaps an Audio Technica or Shure cart and try to contain your anger.
I had a kindly exchange with someone on here who had the exact same combo I did, the JMW 9 arm and Dyna xxII cart. I believe he damped the arm to improve it.