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Got the Itch to Upgrade my 'Table . . . thinking VPI . . .

damacman

damacman

Resident Psycho
Here's my vinyl setup now: Technics SL1300 Mk2 w/ Dynavector DV10x5 > McIntosh C100 preamp

I've had the Technics for a few decades, repaired the cueing long ago, etc. It's really been a great 'table and I've enjoyed it immensely. I'll keep it regardless of what I buy as it's a timeless classic.

At first, I was thinking McIntosh MT5. Now, I'm thinking VPI Classic. Initially, I'd pull the DV10x5 off of the Technics and use it on the VPI. Down the road, who knows what I may run as a cartridge.

Thoughts? Any Classic owners here that can shed some light on quality, set up, sound, etc.? Are there other VPI tables that I should also be considering? The Classic is really at the top of my budget.
 
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I think when I'm ready to upgrade the VPI Classic would be the one I'd consider. Nice table.
 
Nice choice. You should get a nice step up in SQ and the ability to play lots of great carts.


Keep the classic 1300 around to give you a nice automatic option. Good idea.
 
damacman said:
Are there other VPI tables that I should also be considering? The Classic is really at the top of my budget.
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i'm biased but the original Aries is the one to own. i had it for nearly a decade. i was tempted to upgrade back when the Classic arrived on the market but none of the newer platters improved on the original (equaled only by the now oop Super Platter). The newer arm bases did improve throughout time, however, but that's because the original base was poorly designed at the get go (it sagged at the arm rest, for instance). motor upgrades were ok but, as i'd learned, a speed controller such as that from Pheonix Engineering, was needed just to equal the musical presence that my idler decks were able to offer effortlessly.
 
I'm in the same/similar position. I've been using a nice direct drive Dual for a long time now, a 701 with a Shure V15iii, and while this is a fine combo, I'd like to move up the chain later this year to even more analog goodness. Those VPI classics are quite tasty looking, and from the one I've heard, sound really nice. Still, it's a field crowded with choice at this price point among the usual suspects. Interestingly, or frustratingly, to add to the choice the purchase price of the Classic buys a really beautiful Thorens with a nice modern SME arm over at vinylnirvana. I don't imagine I'll ever be in the position to A/B those two, so it will all have to probably remain an interesting problem without a solution. Keep us posted with what you decide.
 
I just missed a Sota Sapphire in the OEM box down the road from me on a CL listing which I was amazed as I rarely see any decent turntables here on CL. He had just sold it, I was quite disappointed as I would have liked to have given ownership of it a try!
 
cgoroo said:
i'm biased but the original Aries is the one to own. i had it for nearly a decade. i was tempted to upgrade back when the Classic arrived on the market but none of the newer platters improved on the original (equaled only by the now oop Super Platter). The newer arm bases did improve throughout time, however, but that's because the original base was poorly designed at the get go (it sagged at the arm rest, for instance). motor upgrades were ok but, as i'd learned, a speed controller such as that from Pheonix Engineering, was needed just to equal the musical presence that my idler decks were able to offer effortlessly.
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I own an original Classic and an Aries I, and both are quite good. You do not need the SDS or Phoenix speed control with the Classic I; speed stability is so good, it's not necessary.

To the OP, engineering and quality of the Classic are first rate. Set-up is pretty straightforward for the most part. For some, setting up the unipivot tonearm for the first time can seem a bit daunting, but it's really not very difficult, just different compared to a gimballed 'arm.

As with most VPI's, the Classic can be upgraded with a combination of factory and aftermarket parts as time and funds allow.
 
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