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VPI has conducted careful listening tests and determined that every tonearm we
tried sounded better with its mechanical anti-skating set at the lowest possible
setting.
Adjust the counterweight so there is no down force on the cartridge.
Swing the tonearm toward the spindle and release it. The arm should swing
out toward the outer edge of the turntable if the anti-skating is working
properly. Set it as shown in the photo.
Setting the Tracking Force and Tonearm Height
Tracking force is adjusted by moving the tonearm counterweight forward and
back on its shaft. If your cartridge is heavy and the counterweight is all the way
back, you can order a heavier weight from your dealer.
The JMW Signature Tonearm does not have a built-in tracking force gauge. We
recommend that you use a Shure Stylus Force Gauge or good digital gauge.
Place the gauge on the platter with the notch against the spindle.
Follow the gauge instructions and set the tracking force according to the
cartridge manufacturer’s recommendation. We recommend always going to
the high side of tracking force (actually the high side plus .1 gram is the best).
High frequency vibrations on a light-tracking cartridge can cause more
damage to the grooves of a record than running a cartridge at a heavy
setting. The arm should be parallel to the platter when setting the tracking
force. If it is not parallel the reading will be off by enough to make a sonic
difference.
