
SETUP MANUAL FOR ARIES SCOUT/JMW-9
TONEARM
READ THIS MANUAL VERY CAREFULLY
NOT FOLLOWING THIS MANUAL WILL VOID YOUR
WARRANTEE
FAILURE TO SEND IN THE WARRANTEE CARD WILL
VOID YOUR WARRANTEE
VPI INDUSTRIES INC., 77 CLIFFWOOD AVE. #3B
CLIFFWOOD, NJ 07721
PHONE: 732-583-6895, FAX: 732-946-8578
www.vpiindustries.com
1

• THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU CAN DO FOR YOUR NEW
ARIES SCOUT IS TO PLACE IT ON A FLAT LEVEL SURFACE. A
FLAT SURFACE WILL MAKE SETTING UP YOUR NEW SCOUT A
SNAP.
• THE ARIES SCOUT REQUIRES A SPACE OF 19” X 14” FOR ITS
MAIN FRAME. THE ACTUAL FOOTPRINT OF THE ARIES LEGS
MEASURES 16” X 11”.
Your new ARIES SCOUT turntable is a precision instrument. It has been
thoroughly tested and broken in for at least two hours. The speed accuracy, wow,
flutter, and rumble have been checked and this unit has met all our specifications.
MINIMUM SPECIFICATIONS: WOW AND FLUTTER – LESS THAN .02
RUMBLE – GREATER THAN 80 dB DOWN
SPEED ACCURACY – WITHIN .1%
INSTRUCTIONS FOR UNPACKING AND SETUP
• In this box you will find the complete ARIES SCOUT. Remove all packaging,
carefully noting how the packaging fits together. If you ever need to send the
unit back for service you must pack it properly. Save the packaging if you can,
as it will be expensive to order later.
• The tonearm is packed in this box and should be removed carefully. The base
of the tonearm is mounted directly to the SCOUT main board; follow the
directions for the JMW-9 and carefully set up the cartridge.
• The JMW-9 arm wand, record clamp, and all necessary accessories should be
removed and placed on the side.
• Before lifting out the main chassis, remember that the tiptoe feet are attached to
the bottom of the unit. Do not put the unit down on any furniture that could be
damaged by these feet.
• When you have placed the SCOUT in its proper location on your stand or shelf,
it is time to place the motor. The motor is located in the lowest section of the
box, next to the platter. If your voltage is not 115 the importer should supply
the proper power cord for your outlets. Make sure that the unit you have
2

purchased is correct for your power. Place the motor in the rectangular cutout
on the left of the SCOUT so that it does not touch anything. It should be
centered in the cutout with the on-off button on the left side. Plug the power
cord into the IEC socket in the motor and then into the wall outlet.
• Reach into the packing box and remove the platter. Take off the bag covering
and protecting the platter and bearing and place the platter on the bearing shaft.
Spin the platter and check that it rotates smoothly. You will probably hear
some noise when you first put the platter on the spindle and rotate it. If so it
means that the platter bearing needs to run in and re-align itself. This process
takes about two hours while you are listening to records.
• Take out the drive belt from the bag and place the belt in the middle groove of
the smaller diameter (33) and around the turntable platter. There are multiple
grooves on a very slightly tapered shaft so you can adjust the speed as your belt
ages or temperature changes. The higher the groove the slower the speed.
• The clamp operates in a reflex mode. Place the rubber washer over the center
spindle, then the record, and then the clamp. Turn the clamp onto the record
forcing the rim of the record down first. As you continue to clamp down on the
record the air will be squeezed out. This system gives most of the advantages
of a vacuum hold down with none of the problems. Do not clamp overly tight,
as this will dish the record up, defeating the usefulness of the clamp.
• The more you use your Scout, the better it will sound.
• Clean your platter and chassis with a mild window cleaner such as Windex or
Cinch.
3