JMW9 setup tracking problems... need help

Agree with Rushton-the DL103 is not the problem.

*I previously had a Scout/JMW 9 that worked fine with this cart, and many, many others at VA have reported the same.

*The compliance of the DL103 is not as low as the spec sheet seems to show, due to the methodology that Denon uses to determine the compliance.

Saying that, you should buy the 15 dollar, 3-gram headshell weight that VPI sells-and see if it makes a difference in the sonics. Cheap experimentation.

One other thing-be sure the wires connected to the cart are tucked up into the headshell well enough to clear the vinyl.

"....looks like the arm doesnt need it, the counterwheight is in the middle when I set up this cartridge."

The purpose of the added weight has naught to do with VTF, but with tweaking the arm resonance relative to the dynamic compliance of the cart suspension. Since the DL103 is a relatively low compliance cart (though, as I said, not as low as it's specs makes it appear), you may see sonic upgrades by adding the weight (and readjusting the arm for correct VTF). At this point, however, if you've got the rig running, just enjoy some music. You'll want to establish a listening reference point before you make any changes, or do any experimenting. Though, were I you, I'd lower that VTF to 2.5 at some early point.

If you do want to experiment with adding weight to the headshell, and you've got an electronic scale, I'd suggest weighing out a blob of Blu-Tac and attaching it to the top of the headshell. That way, you don't have to remove/readjust the cart while you're experimenting. If you like the change, you can add the VPI weight for Handsome Good Looks.

And btw, congratulations on getting 'er going.

Veridian-

Nice response-analytical backed with experience. Though I've not tried the dl-103 series on 20 (!) arms, I do have some experience. I've got a couple of DL-103Rs, a DL-103, a 103r with VdH Type 1 cantilever and stylus, and a Zu 103r. My arms include a JMW 12.5, SME 3012, SME M2-12, SAEC WE-308, SAEC WE-317, Rega RB-300, and a couple of others. I agree that a higher-mass arm (I'm a fan of 12" models) are more conducive to the compliance characteristics of the 103-series, but even so my past experience with the JMW-9, with added weight, was very satisfying. Maybe not the absolute best that can be wrung out of that cart, but still-very good. Were I the OP, I'd enjoy the 103r through it's effective stylus life, and then try a re-tip with a more compliant cant. Were he willing to spend a bit more money, the Dynavector DV-20lo is a nice(er) match to that arm.

BTW, agree absolutely with your note vis-a-vis the VTF/AS relationship. I think the OP had advice that, at best, was well meaning but derived from a calculator, not real-world experience. As I said, I'd drop the VTF down to 2.5.

Note to Veridian-
My post above was written referencing your post *before* your one above this one-take that into account when reviewing context. Looks like we're pretty much in agreement.