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The JMW-9T does not have a built-in tracking force gauge, but a Shure Stylus Force Gauge is
supplied with your arm on a new unit. Following the gauge instructions set the tracking force
to the cartridge manufacturer recommendation plus 1/10 of a gram more. We always
recommend going to the high side when it comes to tracking force. High frequency vibrations
can cause a light-tracking cartridge to cause more damage to the grooves than running a
cartridge at a heavy setting. Make sure the damping fluid is not installed when setting this
force.
VERY IMPORTANT: MAKE SURE THE TONEARM IS PARALLEL TO THE PLATTER WHEN
SETTING THE TRACKING FORCE. IF IT IS NOT THE END RESULT WILL BE HIGHER OR
LOWER VTF THAN YOU WANTED.
Next, the lateral balance or azimuth must be set. Because the phono cartridge is offset, there
is an unbalancing force that tilts the arm to one side. For the cartridge to properly track the
record groove, the stylus must be ninety degrees to the record surface. Move the
counterweight so a slight tracking force is applied and the stylus just sits on the record
surface.
Tighten the setscrew in the counterweight enough so that it will not move on its own and
without moving the counterweight forward or back rotate it around the shaft to set correct
azimuth. Lay the long thin rod supplied behind the cartridge mounting screws into the V
groove and use it as a guide for setting azimuth. Playing with this will give very accurate
azimuth settings.
Unlike other unipivot arms, the JMW’s lateral balance weight does not hang off to the side of
the arm. Instead, its position around the bottom of the upper bearing housing places the
weight below the pivot point. This increases mass below the pivot and increases arm stability.
