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new turntable/setup advice.....garrot Optim FGS

Im looking for My first TT in years. I dont have any local dealers so I will probably be ordering the gear. I have been reading everything here for several months and now I am ready to pull the trigger. I am weighing several decisions.

1) Do I start off with some sort of starter table? Rega P-3 or the like. Or do I jump in "Whole Hog" and get a Scoutmaster or something similar that can be upgraded.

I'm leaning toward the VPI line because I understand the setup is pretty painless. So a couple of questions about the VPIs.

2)Is the JWM-9 "signature " A really good upgrade over the standard JWM-9. Other than the wire upgrade are there other features such as more versatile settings.

2) Ive had a recommendation of the Garrot Optim F.G.S. MM cart. I would like some info from someone using this cart.

Sorry if Im rehashing old posts but I have read everything that I could find.
catfishbob

Showing 3 responses by photon46

photon46
1,076 posts
 
I've been using Garrott Optim FGS with a VPI Scout/JMW9 turntable for quite a while. The Optim FGS is about as good as a MM design gets IMO. It tracks very well, much better than Grado wood bodies I've used. Only problem is, I don't know of anyone that imports that cartridge anymore. It's not available from any US importers I'm aware of at this time. An Australian business, www.decibelhifi.com.au lists it on their website for $1000 Aussie dollars. The Stereotimes review of the Optim FGS (available on the web) concurs with my impressions of the cartridge. I'd also be interested in the new top of the line Nagaoka cartridge, sold by the needledoctor.com, among others.
photon46
1,076 posts
 
Kennyt & Cfbob, you ask a very subjective question....so it's hard for someone who doesn't know you well to give meaningful advice. One person's beaucoup bucks is another's chump change. That aside, I'd ask; how dextrous and patient are you? Tonearms like VPI that implement azimuth and tracking force adjustments by moving the same weight in different directions/rotations can be a test of patience and coordination. If you are a bit of a klutz, I'd consider a tonearm that implements each adjustment with a discrete adjustment. I've got good hand eye coordination, close up vision, and patience and I don't consider VPI set up (done well) painless at all. The advice to consult with a longtime expert dealer like Hollywood Sound or Audiofeil is wise, don't hesitate to benefit from their experience.
photon46
1,076 posts
 
No offense meant Catfish. I've just worked with some guys who really don't do well with small parts and fussy adjustments. If you take your time and don't get impatient, it's really not hard to do. When I say it's not painless, I mean you just have to be prepared to make the same adjustment more than once to get everything dialed in to the nth degree. Sometimes I've changed cartridges and everything went smooth as silk and I was done in 40 minutes. Sometimes (last Sunday,) things didn't settle as well on the first try and it took me an hour and a half to get things right. Stringreen is right, you just have to jump in the deep end and learn to swim.
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