My new VPI Classic. Pictures and first impressions.

I've posted a couple of questions around here in the past few weeks after buying an Empire 208. Basically, I loved the sound so much that I was wondering if I could get a more up to date version of that sound in either an Empire 698 or a VPI Classic. After reading everything online I could find about the Classic, and deciding that I liked my 208 for what it was but didn't have the free time these days to take it or another Empire to where I wanted to go turntable wise, I just decided to close my eyes and jump.

And so, here it is:


It can't believe how BIG it is. Pictures do not do this monster justice. I got my first glimpse of it when two employees from where I bought it from braced themselves to lift it out of the box, one on each side. The manual says it weighs 45 lbs but part of me thinks that was before they switched to the aluminum platter. My back says it weighs more than 50. But I don't have a scale.

As I said, I wanted an updated Empire 208. And my first listening impression? It's exactly that. That giant platter has momentum...one thing I liked about the Empire. The PRAT or whatever it's called..I am tapping my foot ..and tapping...and tapping. Here it is with it's supposed inspiration:



There's of course the stereotypical hearing of things I've never heard before. I didn't know, for example, that the man heard talking at the beginning of The Great Gig in the Sky clears his throat. Huh. That's cool and all but what's nicer is that the soundstage just left my room completely...past the walls, and not just beside me. The depth is insane.

It has a forward sound. If you like a laid back turntable sound, I would not recommend this turntable. It's not bright. It's not in your face. It's just kind of, I don't know..direct? It doesn't sound artificially lush and certainly doesn't sound colored. I just hear what's on the record presented in all it's glory (or non-glory). Most records I've played sound better than I've ever heard them. It's not one of those things where you can't play songs you like because all the faults are revealed. It's certainly not kind to bad production, but it presents it in a way that you can appreciate it for what it is.

I never thought I'd spend this much on a piece of audio equipment, but so much of my freetime is spent listening to albums, why not? You only live once. And it was a demo so I got to still feel like a bit of a cheapskate.

Back to listening. To be honest, I have never been so happy with an audio related purchase.

Congrats on a truly nice TT! That should hold you over for guite a few years. Big step up from your 208 huh? A really good TT is a Joy for sure!

Very nice John! Congratulations!!

dokblues said:

Congrats on a trult nice TT! That should hold you over for guite a few years. Big step up from your 208 huh? A really good TT is a Joy for sure!

Click to expand...

I really do think that I'm done with turntable upgrades for, well, maybe for years and years. I may buy the extra weights for this one, and a better cartridge (though I'm really liking the Dynavector 10x5 I had the shop mount on it) but this is exactly the sound I was looking for.

I've always thought that vinyl sounded better than CD but I have to say...I'm simply amazed at how great this sounds. You are right...it truly is a joy. I can't believe people are listening to iPod docks when this level of sound is possible. I never thought I'd own a table this nice.

Very nice indeed! :thmbsp:

clydeselsor said:

Very nice John! Congratulations!!

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Thanks! Looking at some of your replinthed tables turned me onto the idea of possibly getting a vintage table and building a massive plinth for it. Well, with that in mind I bought a Lenco L70 back in the spring and the Empire recently... and ultimately realized that with my work schedule and lack of workspace, I'd never get to it. At least not anytime soon. But those tables I bought made me really appreciate the sound of a heavy platter with all that inertia, and this table has a pretty massive plinth as well.

I still plan on building a plinth for the Lenco, but it will have to wait until I move to a place with room to work.

Cheers!

JohnVF said:

I've posted a couple of questions around here in the past few weeks after buying an Empire 208. Basically, I loved the sound so much that I was wondering if I could get a more up to date version of that sound in either an Empire 698 or a VPI Classic. After reading everything online I could find about the Classic, and deciding that I liked my 208 for what it was but didn't have the free time these days to take it or another Empire to where I wanted to go turntable wise, I just decided to close my eyes and jump.

And so, here it is:

It can't believe how BIG it is. Pictures do not do this monster justice. I got my first glimpse of it when two employees from where I bought it from braced themselves to lift it out of the box, one on each side. The manual says it weighs 45 lbs but part of me thinks that was before they switched to the aluminum platter. My back says it weighs more than 50. But I don't have a scale.

As I said, I wanted an updated Empire 208. And my first listening impression? It's exactly that. That giant platter has momentum...one thing I liked about the Empire. The PRAT or whatever it's called..I am tapping my foot ..and tapping...and tapping. Here it is with it's supposed inspiration:

There's of course the stereotypical hearing of things I've never heard before. I didn't know, for example, that the man heard talking at the beginning of The Great Gig in the Sky clears his throat. Huh. That's cool and all but what's nicer is that the soundstage just left my room completely...past the walls, and not just beside me. The depth is insane.

It has a forward sound. If you like a laid back turntable sound, I would not recommend this turntable. It's not bright. It's not in your face. It's just kind of, I don't know..direct? It doesn't sound artificially lush and certainly doesn't sound colored. I just hear what's on the record presented in all it's glory (or non-glory). Most records I've played sound better than I've ever heard them. It's not one of those things where you can't play songs you like because all the faults are revealed. It's certainly not kind to bad production, but it presents it in a way that you can appreciate it for what it is.

I never thought I'd spend this much on a piece of audio equipment, but so much of my freetime is spent listening to albums, why not? You only live once. And it was a demo so I got to still feel like a bit of a cheapskate.

Back to listening. To be honest, I have never been so happy with an audio related purchase.

Click to expand...

That is sooo nice:guitar:
The VPI tables have that effect!

The articulation, depth and solidness of the bass is really impressive. It's temporarily just sitting on an old console until I either put my wall mount back up or find a place for my heavier audio stand...but it doesn't seem to be picking up much vibration, if any.

I almost bought a Scout but I'm glad I went with this. Plus, it just fits right in with all the other vintage stuff around here.

Here's the Empire, the inspiration behind me realizing what the sound was that I'd been searching for. Truly a great turntable in it's own right. I'd recommend one to anybody, as long as it's in good shape. This one is marked 11-21-'60 and has not been modded in any way with the exception of sitting it on rubber isolation pods.

Okay it's nice, but did it come with a 45 adapter?

Congrats and enjoy.

JohnVF said:

I really do think that I'm done with turntable upgrades for, well, maybe for years and years. I may buy the extra weights for this one, and a better cartridge (though I'm really liking the Dynavector 10x5 I had the shop mount on it) but this is exactly the sound I was looking for.

I've always thought that vinyl sounded better than CD but I have to say...I'm simply amazed at how great this sounds. You are right...it truly is a joy. I can't believe people are listening to iPod docks when this level of sound is possible. I never thought I'd own a table this nice.

Click to expand...

Hello John, There's quite a few things I'd like saying, and the very first is a sincere congrats on the purchase! Yep, she's a beauty!!!!:thmbsp:

I suspect you are right, that this Table is probably right near 60 lbs, or so, and that Harry's spec of 45 lbs was with the first thought of "Acrylic Platter".
Maybe soon, they'll update the specs to reflect actual weight of this Table.

Yes, I believe you're again correct, that this will be a Table that you will continue to enjoy for countless years. Take care of her, and keep the cleaning ladys, and the kids away! If it were mine, I'd seriously consider a Ginko Full Table Acrylic Cover.

I've recently thought quite a bit about this table since you've recently started this thread. I know I've had a bit of apprehension, and perhaps a bit of pessimism-skeptitism of this Table at first, but the more I think about what Harry W. has done here with this Table, the more logical I find Harry's reasoning, and acquired knowledge that he rolled into this Table.

Being a VPI user for a good 12 years now, with my own HW-19, I'm thankful that Harry allowed a path for this Table, that one could take various upgrade paths with it. He gave us users an "in", to buy an entry level Table, like the Jr model, and as we could afford to, then upgrade here, and there, making good improvements as time went by.

Virtually all of Harry's tables were like this, right up to the TOTL HR-X.

I see this Table as a different approach though. Some have mentioned, and had seemed to grown weary of the "upgrades to the upgrades", saying-wondering what Harry's next approach-path would be?

This Table seems different though. Dare I call it the "Ron Popeil" of VPI Tables", that you "set it and forget it'? And to call it the "Prego Sauce" of tables, that "It's in there"? Tweaking is of course nice to be able to do with a Table, but this one gives me the impression that all is well just as it is, Harry has done all the brain-work, the grey hairs, burning the midnight oil, to combine what he's learned, and put it all into an affordable Table.

I still don't totally agree with Harry Pearson, saying that this Table is Harry's finest accomplishment, as I feel that title still applies to the VPI HR-X, but maybe a better, more accurate description could be that this is one of Harry's "smartest" accomplishments, and as well one of his most "unique, and innovative accomplishments".

I do feel you have only just begun to touch on what this table can provide. The Dyna Cartridge on board of course needs some more time to flower, and i do firmly believe that this table will let you take your sound to a whole nother level, with even better Cartridges on board in the future. This Table I'm betting can make good use of much better, and one probably shouldn't at all feel ashamed, of having a $2,000, to $4,000 Cartridge on board.

And as well, better Phono Stages to compliment the Table, Arm, and Cartridge.

You have made the most important step to nirvana, the other steps will no doubt come in due time!:yes:

I know you're very proud, and happy with this purchase. I would be too!
Please do keep us posted, and we of course all will probably be looking forward to a review from yourself. Enjoy! Mark

A truly beautiful piece. Congrats!!! Welcome to the VPI owners club. I'm sure it will provide you with many years of pleasure both audibly and visually. I know I still love the look of my Systemdek IIX. How does the sound compare to your Systemdek IIX? I know it's hard to compare when you had a faulty motor on the Systemdek and a different cartridge mounted. Impressions?

scootchu said:

Okay it's nice, but did it come with a 45 adapter?

Congrats and enjoy.

Click to expand...

Well, actually...no it didn't. But the Empire did! It's one of the neatest of many neat features on it...it pops up out of the platter.



The VPI came with a Shure stylus-force gauge, though. I guess that sort of makes up for the lack of a 45 adaptor. They probably would have made it 2 pounds anyway.

Funny, that in 12 years, I never had a want-desire to buy a 45rpm adapter for my VPI Table. I do have 45's, but they're long play LP's. Mark

John, I have just a couple of basic questions about the Classic, if you wouldn't mind answering, OK?

1. I'm assuming since the Classic still uses the VPI Screw Down Clamp, that the Table still incorporates the Threaded Spindle, and the little Rubber Washer at the Spindle, correct?

2. Does the Platter appear to have any means of Leveling-Zeroing the Platter? Meaning, do you see any form of Adjustment Screws-Pins at, or near the center of Platter? I know the older TNT-MK-IV Platters had this provision, and some of the others didn't. Mark

markd51 said:

Hello John, There's quite a few things I'd like saying, and the very first is a sincere congrats on the purchase! Yep, she's a beauty!!!!:thmbsp:

I suspect you are right, that this Table is probably right near 60 lbs, or so, and that Harry's spec of 45 lbs was with the first thought of "Acrylic Platter".
Maybe soon, they'll update the specs to reflect actual weight of this Table.

Yes, I believe you're again correct, that this will be a Table that you will continue to enjoy for countless years. Take care of her, and keep the cleaning ladys, and the kids away! If it were mine, I'd seriously consider a Ginko Full Table Acrylic Cover.

I've recently thought quite a bit about this table since you've recently started this thread. I know I've had a bit of apprehension, and perhaps a bit of pessimism-skeptitism of this Table at first, but the more I think about what Harry W. has done here with this Table, the more logical I find Harry's reasoning, and acquired knowledge that he rolled into this Table.

Being a VPI user for a good 12 years now, with my own HW-19, I'm thankful that Harry allowed a path for this Table, that one could take various upgrade paths with it. He gave us users an "in", to buy an entry level Table, like the Jr model, and as we could afford to, then upgrade here, and there, making good improvements as time went by.

Virtually all of Harry's tables were like this, right up to the TOTL HR-X.

I see this Table as a different approach though. Some have mentioned, and had seemed to grown weary of the "upgrades to the upgrades", saying-wondering what Harry's next approach-path would be?

This Table seems different though. Dare I call it the "Ron Popeil" of VPI Tables", that you "set it and forget it'? And to call it the "Prego Sauce" of tables, that "It's in there"? Tweaking is of course nice to be able to do with a Table, but this one gives me the impression that all is well just as it is, Harry has done all the brain-work, the grey hairs, burning the midnight oil, to combine what he's learned, and put it all into an affordable Table.

I still don't totally agree with Harry Pearson, saying that this Table is Harry's finest accomplishment, as I feel that title still applies to the VPI HR-X, but maybe a better, more accurate description could be that this is one of Harry's "smartest" accomplishments, and as well one of his most "unique, and innovative accomplishments".

I do feel you have only just begun to touch on what this table can provide. The Dyna Cartridge on board of course needs some more time to flower, and i do firmly believe that this table will let you take your sound to a whole nother level, with even better Cartridges on board in the future. This Table I'm betting can make good use of much better, and one probably shouldn't at all feel ashamed, of having a $2,000, to $4,000 Cartridge on board.

And as well, better Phono Stages to compliment the Table, Arm, and Cartridge.

You have made the most important step to nirvana, the other steps will no doubt come in due time!:yes:

I know you're very proud, and happy with this purchase. I would be too!
Please do keep us posted, and we of course all will probably be looking forward to a review from yourself. Enjoy! Mark

Click to expand...

You know, it was actually a thread a while back that you were involved in, regarding whether it was 'source or speakers' that was most important that got me thinking it would be a good thing to maybe just buy the best source I could afford before judging any of my other equipment. I was, and am, incredibly happy with my speakers. But I switch out components a lot, between solid state and tube, vintage and somewhat modern gear...it's all over the place. And as I wrote about how I thought it was important to upgrade the whole system, it began to dawn on my that I'd never know how good everything else was unless I was sure the turntable was giving me the best possible. And while I'll never have the best possible, at least I now have the best I can afford. And my fantastic speakers have never, ever, sounded better. They are completely capable of putting this table's sound into the room.

So after that aside..

I read all the threads on the classic that are scattered about the web. The thing I was most impressed by were the words of Harry. I don't have them at hand, but he basically said that people were reading too much into his change of direction. He just wanted to make a table like this, like the Empires that he liked. I work in marketing...I'm an advertising copywriter/creative director...and one thing that's usually pretty obvious to me is when somebody is trying to market to me without my knowing. While I don't know if I believe him when he says this is the best VPI table, in that statement I read, he was just saying that this is the table type of table he wanted to make. It sounded sincere to me, and just so happened that this was the type of table I was looking for. I was so impressed with the musicality of the vintage decks I had recently acquired, even in stock form (the Lenco and Empire) that I knew if I could find that sound in a modern table with a better arm, etc, I'd never look twice at, say, a Linn again. Nothing against Linn, it's just not the sound I gravitated towards. I used to want one, but nothing captured my heart like the sound of the Empire's non-suspended heavy platter. I wanted that solid feel. The Classic has that...but it also has a sort of projection/bloom that I am really surprised by.

I don't know that I won't ever buy another turntable. I am not about perfection when it comes to this hobby. Well, I am to some extent for my main rig, but I have many systems and just like to hear things presented differently. This is the best I've heard vinyl presented in my home, and with one or two exceptions, ever.

I hear you on putting a better cartridge on it at some point. I plan to do that in time, probably a Dynavector higher up the line. I've always liked how they sound and am happy to own even just the 10x5 now. I wanted something with higher output to plug directly into my vintage tube preamps (ARC SP-3a1 and Fisher 400c). I will move onto something like a Manley Steelhead (or whatever they're called...i'm a bit of a newcomer to being this serious about my turntable) at some point, but I'm happy for now.

If you can listen to one, I'd recommend it. I've never heard another VPI so I can't comment. It sounds different from a Linn, that's for sure. I still wouldn't mind an LP-12 someday, but I think I'd prefer this one.

Congrats on your new VPI, you sound just like a kid on Christmas...ENJOY! Hmmm I wonder how long that huge aluminum platter would spin if free of the belt?

markd51 said:

John, I have just a couple of basic questions about the Classic, if you wouldn't mind answering, OK?

1. I'm assuming since the Classic still uses the VPI Screw Down Clamp, that the Table still incorporates the Threaded Spindle, and the little Rubber Washer at the Spindle, correct?

2. Does the Platter appear to have any means of Leveling-Zeroing the Platter? Meaning, do you see any form of Adjustment Screws-Pins at, or near the center of Platter? I know the older TNT-MK-IV Platters had this provision, and some of the others didn't. Mark

Click to expand...

1.Yes, it still used the screw down clamp. The spindle is threaded, with the rubber washer underneath the record. Works very well. I may pick up the weight/peripheral ring at some point because I think it looks neat and is probably very functional, but this system works better than my old cheap clamp that is visible on the Empire in my pictures.

2. The platter doesn't seen to have any leveling adjustment. It's really heavy, I can't imagine it having the ability to move one way or another. Leveling of the table is done by adjusting the feet (called "TNT Mini Feet" in the manual). They have limited ability to adjust level, and the manual says to level the table or surface that the deck is sitting on if any more adjustment is required. Of course, I can't find my bubble-level but the table it sits on was level last I checked.

That turntable is drop-dead gorgeous. I'll bet you can't take your eyes off it when you're in the room. Really, really nice table!

I have had a similar eye-opening experience, albeit on a less grand scale. I picked up a Dual turntable a few months ago that sounded much, much better than the Pioneer that I had been using. It really opened my eyes to how good vinyl could sound. I too heard things on records that I never knew were there - I didn't even notice them on CDs of the same titles. Amazing! In all fairness to the Pioneer, its cartridge was responsible for 99% of what I heard because I moved it to a TOL Pioneer a few days ago and it sounded about the same. Goes to show just how important a good cartridge is.

Congratulations on what is surely your finest audio acquisition!

ChairSpud said:

Congrats on your new VPI, you sound just like a kid on Christmas...ENJOY! Hmmm I wonder how long that huge aluminum platter would spin if free of the belt?

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The answer: a long time. But the funny thing...Empire spun longer. I gave them both equal pushes (by guess) at the same time and the Empire spun a bit longer. Most of the weight in the Empire platter is on the outside, this might have something to do with it. But that platter also rings, and the VPI doesn't. I'll take the lack of ringing.