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VPI JMW-9 Signature Questions

I just upgraded the stock JMW9 to the JMW9 Signature on my Scoutmaster. Just installed it this evening.

Without even burning it in, I can hear an improvement....more substance and texture to the music, without adding warmth/veiling.

But I have a couple of questions for others using the Signature.

1. How long do the new Valhalla wires require to burn in properly?

2. Do you use the damping fluid or not? If so, how much do you use? What audio difference does it make?

3. Are you using the add-on antiskating device, or just using the VPI recommended wire twist method? Right now I'm using the wire twist because I never thought antiskating was an issue in my previous setup.

4. I thought I read somewhere that one of the upgrades of the Signature is that it allows finer adjustment of VTF. But as far as I can tell, VTF (and azimuth) is still adjusted the same (rather clumsy) way of simply pushing (and turning) the counterweight. Am I missing something?

Thanks for any and all input.
coffee_nudge

Showing 1 response by slipknot1

slipknot1
1,423 posts
 
I use the same setup that Nick does (except I didn't break the line) I pretty much echo his comments with 2 additional observations:
1. Err on the side of too little when adding the damping fluid. Too much will slow the pace and drive of the music.
2. I opted for the mechanical anti-skate rather than the twist for a couple of reasons. Harry would not have included it if it didn't work (despite market pressure to include it) and at an emotional level, I didn't just pay a lot of extra money for Nordost Valhalla wire in my tone arm only to start twisting it to and fro at the end of the chain. As always YMMV.
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