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VPI JMW setup

I finally decided to get a "big boy" tonearm and retire the Rega, I ended up choosing a JMW9 mem for my HW-19 and am extremly pleased with my decision. Unlike with the rega, I can get about 90% "there" with the jmw in about an hour. Its that last little bit of detail I can't eek out of the jmw that I'm inquiring about. I'm using a grado reference platinum with a 2.5 gram headshell weight like vpi recommends, with harmonic tech crystal silver phono cables and a krell kpe standard. Does anyone have any observations or tricks they could share to save me some time with setup.

Thanks,

Stu
maplin

Showing 2 responses by stringreen

stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,366 posts
 
The most helpful thing I did to my VPI arm was to adjust it with a Mint protractor. The VPI metal protractor is ok and gets you to the neighborhood, but the Mint takes you into the house. There is a definite sound improvement with the MINT. I protested on these pages, but was urged by others to get it, and now I'm urging others in the purchase.
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,366 posts
 
This is how I adjust for azimuth with my VPI 10.5i. I use the rod method, however, it is difficult to see accurately if the rod is truly horizontal....so..... I use a Cardas wood block (looks kind of like a domino). I took 2 of the blocks, and added a metal washer on top of each one. I put one under each end of the rod that is resting on the tonearm headshell...with the cartridge cued down on a record. If you position the 2 blocks under those ends, and if you made the blocks/washer, be just high enough to barely touch the rod ends, or slightly lower, it is very easy to square up the arm.
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