Thanks tablejockey. Are you suggesting not to bother with the cartridge? |
Zavato, I hear you. I just can't help wondering if I could squeeze even a bit more awesomeness out of it...:)
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Thanks Stringreen. As I understand it, the 3D arm is not easily substituted for the JMW9 on a Scoutmaster. Various other knowledgeable people have warned me off the 3D, although I have read your favorable comments regarding it. I'm not sure I want to change the platter either, which brings me back to the cartridge. |
Thanks John. My turntable is a scoutmaster, with significant modifications primarily in terms of vibration isolation. I have aftermarket footers as well as an aftermarket platform for the turntable itself and a separate smaller one for the motor. I have damping weights on the motor and the plinth. In addition I have very good phono cables on it as well as an upgraded VPI record clamp. Finally I have the S DS speed controller. so, it's a little more than a standard scoutmaster. My purpose in making this inquiry was to get a sense for whether that indeed would be too much cartridge for my table. I appreciate your advice. |
Thanks for your suggestions guys. I don't know much about the Walker speed controller. I have read some good things about it though. The sound of the cartridge is indeed very lifelike and convincing. It is very musical. I have not thought much about the strain gauge, because one would have to buy the accompanying preamp. However, I have been seriously thinking about the Hyperion.
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Could you tell me more about your experience with the 3D arm please? Thanks! |
Hi brf,
thanks a lot. I do have the SDS--sorry I didnt list that up front, just in my system list. I do think it was a worthwhile upgrade.
I had though initially that I would go for the 3D arm when it came out. However, numerous people have steered me away from it (not simple to switch since they don't have a 9 inch one, tricky to set up, build quality issues, etc). I have also considered the platter, but I am concerned that I won't like the sound of a metal platter compared to my acrylic one. |
Thanks onhwy61,
i appreciate your comment. Over the years, I have been conservative as far as changing my system. It was static for 12 years before I started to refresh it about 2 years ago. I do not change or swap gear often. I see no reason to spend 25k. I am simply seeking to improve what I have without changing everything, and the cartridge seemed a logical item to consider. |
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Thanks Stringreen. I guess I am wary of having to modify my table to fit that arm. I wish there were a 9" one that I could just drop in place. Are there photos or videos of what the substitution would look like? If I felt comfortable that it would be pretty easy for me to do, and would not be more difficult to set up the cartridge than my JMW9, I might do it. In your opinion, would that make more difference than a Hyperion, for instance? |
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Thanks for your further comments onhwy61. Your points are well taken. I forgot to note my record cleaning machine: Clearaudio Smart Matrix Professional. I am indeed quite satisfied with what I have. I would almost certainly have just bought another table, but since this one was my dad's before he died, I would like to keep using it. Hence my desire to "max out" its performance. Perhaps that is folly. I take it from your comments that in your opinion changing the cartridge or Tonearm will not yield a significant improvement? Thanks again. |
If anyone has performed the procedure to replace a JMW9 arm with the 10.5 inch 3D arm, please let me know. I'd like to learn more about it, and it's very difficult to get info from VPI, as I've called there numerous times. I have not found any instructions, videos, or descriptions online. Thanks. |
Thanks bobvinyl. I appreciate your opinion. I had pretty much decided to stand pat for the time being, after reading the various responses and soliciting some expert opinions as well. I do think that when there is a significantly better Tonearm made that will fit my turntable, that may be a sensible way to go. I remain open to everyone's opinions, as that's educational in itself. |
Ha! Thanks bobvinyl. As luck would have it, my wife is a psychologist, and she already tells me I'm crazy on a regular basis. I have come to accept my diagnosis. :) in all seriousness, though, I know I don't have a problem with the set up. Just wondering how much better it can be, as so many of us with this affliction do. |
Thanks noromance. Did you do that yourself, or did Keith do the mods? What have you noticed with the change? |
Thanks for that info, noromance. Much appreciated. |
Hi Inna,
sounds like you may have a psychologist wife also? It is certainly an educational experience. She has diagnosed obsessive behavior when it comes to my hi-fi! |
Stringreen, thanks. However, when I called VPI, they were not helpful. I think some technician relayed answers to my questions via a receptionist. Apparently he could not be bothered to speak with me himself. From those answers, I gathered that some modification of the turntable would be required. Did your Scoutmaster originally have a JMW9 arm, or a longer arm before you installed the 3D? I am anticipating the release of the Schroder Alto (demonstrated at some recent hi-fi shows), which Peter Lederman tells me is a surface mount and should fit on my turntable; it should mate well with his cartridges. That may be worth considering for my situation. Not sure why VPI has not made a 9 inch 3D arm. |
Hi Inna, I know what you mean! As for the equipment, I have had my own equipment for a long time. The only piece of gear which I am using from my father's system is his old turntable. |
