My new VPI Classic. Pictures and first impressions.

[markd51]

I love how this purchase has just erupted this forum with posts galore. We all have a sickness when it comes to vinyl... kind of like an alcoholic watching someone else have a party without them... Too funny!

New purchases are abound and all are excited for you and anyone else looking for a new high-end table.

I would love to see some more detailed pics of the Classic before I go out and order mine!!:yes:

Yep Mutha, it's been a very nice "whoopee party" for John, and will be for you shortly as well!

I think we're all as well recognizng Harry's brilliant ingenuity with this new Turntable, and applauding what he's done.

Everything came together, and I believe Harry hit on a synergistic combination that is startling its users, and will startle, and open some reviewer's eyes/ears as well.

Unlike the earlier HW-19 models, which generally came packaged with either the Audioquest PT, or Rega RB-250/300 Tonearms, Harry took this Table a considerable, better step forward, with the better JMW Tonearm.
I suspect had Harry chose some other, lesser Tonearm, the sonic results would not have been quite as good.

I've read probably every post written about this new Table on the web, and some see the Classic as "flying in the face" of what's been done over the past 30 years at VPI, but to continue on past paths may have been just another means to an end, and Harry again has come up with a high quality Table that can be more "realistically affordable" to the masses.

Like the VPI 16.5 RCM, it doesn't have a lot a frills, but it's a workhorse, and evidently gets the job done.

Same can perhaps be said with the Classic Table, that it is a workhorse, a good solid, reliable Table that has exactly what it needs, to produce superior sound, and not all the unneeded, frilly doo dads that do absolutely nothing to improve on the sound. (yet certainly do raise the price!) Mark

 

[JohnVF]

Yep Mutha, it's been a very nice "whoopee party" for John, and will be for you shortly as well!

I think we're all as well recognizng Harry's brilliant ingenuity with this new Turntable, and applauding what he's done.

Everything came together, and I believe Harry hit on a synergistic combination that is startling its users, and will startle, and open some reviewer's eyes/ears as well.

Unlike the earlier HW-19 models, which generally came packaged with either the Audioquest PT, or Rega RB-250/300 Tonearms, Harry took this Table a considerable, better step forward, with the better JMW Tonearm.
I suspect had Harry chose some other, lesser Tonearm, the sonic results would not have been quite as good.

I've read probably every post written about this new Table on the web, and some see the Classic as "flying in the face" of what's been done over the past 30 years at VPI, but to continue on past paths may have been just another means to an end, and Harry again has come up with a high quality Table that can be more "realistically affordable" to the masses.

Like the VPI 16.5 RCM, it doesn't have a lot a frills, but it's a workhorse, and evidently gets the job done.

Same can perhaps be said with the Classic Table, that it is a workhorse, a good solid, reliable Table that has exactly what it needs, to produce superior sound, and not all the unneeded, frilly doo dads that do absolutely nothing to improve on the sound. (yet certainly do raise the price!) Mark

This no frills approach was a big draw for me. I used to want a Linn but was turned off by the seemingly endless upgrade path to get everything out of the table.

I've also been reading a lot recently on the mass-plinth DIY route, as I bought my Lenco table with that route in mind. The more and more I read, the more it began to make sense to me why some of these old turntables were being rediscovered. The big high torque motors and heavy platters seemed to impart a speed and drive to the ears of those going this route. Of course, prior to the big-plinth idea those same motors and idlers also added rumble, etc. I really got excited by the potential of all of this when I actually heard my Lenco in stock form. It really did have a drive. I may still just run it with a new arm and no massive plinth.

The Empire was like the Lenco without it's resonance and without the slight rumble, and a better stock arm. It blew my mind that this table predated the Linn by over a decade. It's not perfect but it's a fine sounding table, and incredibly simple. I really began to like the sound of an unsuspended table.

So, with all of this in my head, the Classic comes along. I liked it at first glance, as I've said, but then I found out that that plinth wasn't hollow. That really started me thinking that this was it..this is what made sense to me. And then they switched to the massive aluminum platter...that would give it even more inertia, one of the things I loved about my Lenco's sound with it's heavy platter.

So the inertia of a heavy platter, a motor locked in place to drive it with unerring speed, with vibration absorbed by a massive plinth....and that arm...such a simple design, but it just works.

My arm hurts from cleaning records. I have a Nitty Gritty, so it's all manual. I'm going to have one skinny arm and one Popeye arm.

 

[theophile]

This no frills approach was a big draw for me. I used to want a Linn but was turned off by the seemingly endless upgrade path to get everything out of the table.

I've also been reading a lot recently on the mass-plinth DIY route, as I bought my Lenco table with that route in mind. The more and more I read, the more it began to make sense to me why some of these old turntables were being rediscovered. The big high torque motors and heavy platters seemed to impart a speed and drive to the ears of those going this route. Of course, prior to the big-plinth idea those same motors and idlers also added rumble, etc. I really got excited by the potential of all of this when I actually heard my Lenco in stock form. It really did have a drive. I may still just run it with a new arm and no massive plinth.

The Empire was like the Lenco without it's resonance and without the slight rumble, and a better stock arm. It blew my mind that this table predated the Linn by over a decade. It's not perfect but it's a fine sounding table, and incredibly simple. I really began to like the sound of an unsuspended table.

So, with all of this in my head, the Classic comes along. I liked it at first glance, as I've said, but then I found out that that plinth wasn't hollow. That really started me thinking that this was it..this is what made sense to me. And then they switched to the massive aluminum platter...that would give it even more inertia, one of the things I loved about my Lenco's sound with it's heavy platter.

So the inertia of a heavy platter, a motor locked in place to drive it with unerring speed, with vibration absorbed by a massive plinth....and that arm...such a simple design, but it just works.

My arm hurts from cleaning records. I have a Nitty Gritty, so it's all manual. I'm going to have one skinny arm and one Popeye arm.

Exactly the qualities which contribute to making the Yamaha GT 2000 such a great turntable.

The platter of which was formed and machined using state of the art alloys,techniques.The motor is servo monitored in both directions,then quartz-locked.The combination of the platter mass and the torque of the direct drive motor,give it a moment of inertia of over 2 tons/per squared centimetre.This figure is not equalled by the Technics SP-10 Mk III.

The plinth consists of layered sections of high density MDF.

There is much to be said for the unsuspended technique.I have seen comments from some AKers touting the superiority of suspended turntables.The idea needs to be considered closely.I will say no more on the matter,enquiring minds can consider it for themselves.

Harry Wesfield started-out making suspended turntables,and has done an about-face on the issue.It is always wise to reassess one's path in life.

I will say from experience,that the support given to an unsuspended turntable can unlock almost half as much resolution again as the stock turntable can produce.Consideration and expenditure on this matter will yield great gains,should one wish to implement an approach.

Cartridges....the Dynavector Karat Diamond is a little gem(pun intended).I used mine until it had nothing more left to give.It astounded me how good it sounded when I transferred it over to the GT 2000.What a fantastic value cartridge it is.I'd love to hear what it could do on a 'Cost No Object' arm and turntable.I'm certain that it would 'blow minds'. :yes:

Enjoy your new turntables,Classic owners. :thmbsp:

Purchasing it is just the first-step to where it can take you.

 

[JohnVF]

The Yamaha GT-2000 is perhaps the one turntable I'd jump on right now if it showed up near me. Not to replace the classic, but for another system. I've never heard one, but it makes sense to me that it should sound fantastic. I'd love to hear one in person.

 

[JohnVF]

Ok...as requested and as promised...a few more pictures.

That thick platter.

I'm not sure why some are put off by unipivots. Oh..there's no anti-skate as mine is set up and it is not recommended. The reason why is detailed in the owner's manual, and was echoed by the guy who set up the cartridge for me. But, there is provision if you feel you have to have it.

Comfortably holding it's own until I save up for a Karat.

It comes with a clamp. The record sits right on the platter, and the clamp (with a foam gasket underneath the record) screws down around the spindle, pushing it down, forming a vacuum-like bond.

 

[Machineghost]

Ok...as requested and as promised...a few more pictures.
Comfortably holding it's own until I save up for a Karat.

Wise choice!! I said it before and I'll say it again... The KARAT is the best value for money PERIOD.

 

[RickB]

Did you check your speed?

The drive pulley has three areas for speed control, albeit a little one, but it is there nonetheless, from the last picture it looks like you may have it on the "fastest" setting...

 

[wajobu]

Very sharp John--that's quite a nice TT (and the Empire too!).

 

[JohnVF]

Did you check your speed?

The drive pulley has three areas for speed control, albeit a little one, but it is there nonetheless, from the last picture it looks like you may have it on the "fastest" setting...

Good eye. Yes, I do believe you're right. I had just switched from 45 and it didn't settle in the middle.

 

[Theseventh1]

John,

Congrats on your choice of tables.......I too, over the last few months have researched the H.. out of the new "Classic" and ended with the same conclusion as you. Mine arrived last Thursday. I let the motor and bearing assembly run in until Saturday morning and mounted the cart. and arm. and have been listening ever since. I ran it through its paces with a test LP last evening and have some fine tuning of the azimuth adjustment left...but other than than I could not be more pleased. ENJOY!! If anyone is interested, I can post some pictures.

John

 

[JohnVF]

John,

Congrats on your choice of tables.......I too, over the last few months have researched the H.. out of the new "Classic" and ended with the same conclusion as you. Mine arrived last Thursday. I let the motor and bearing assembly run in until Saturday morning and mounted the cart. and arm. and have been listening ever since. I ran it through its paces with a test LP last evening and have some fine tuning of the azimuth adjustment left...but other than than I could not be more pleased. ENJOY!! If anyone is interested, I can post some pictures.

John

I'd love to see pictures of yours. Did you go walnut or black? If you saw my stack of previous tables in the picture above I think I can safely say that Walnut was a forgone conclusion for me (though I'm more partial to cherry and teak, if only they were options...). Did you get any of the add-ons like the weights or SDS?

 

[ehoove]

Nice table, I'm sure it will serve you well over the next decade or so.
Regards,
Jim

 

[Theseventh1]

I'd love to see pictures of yours. Did you go walnut or black? If you saw my stack of previous tables in the picture above I think I can safely say that Walnut was a forgone conclusion for me (though I'm more partial to cherry and teak, if only they were options...). Did you get any of the add-ons like the weights or SDS?

John,

I went with the black. I have McIntosh equipment (which is black and stainless)....so the black and stainless VPI was a no-brainer for me. In regards to options, no I didn't get any yet. That was one of the things I liked about the Classic is that there isnt a Long road of upgrades/options but there are a few. I am indeed interested in the delrin/stainless clamp(somehow I like the idea of a clamp vs the all stainless wt....although it is beautiful.) and the periphery ring. I'm not too interested in the SDS...for one, I'm out of real estate and secondly, from reports and my experience it doesn't need it.
I will post pics later today or in AM at the latest. Again, ENJOY....I know I am.

John

 

[JohnVF]

John,

I went with the black. I have McIntosh equipment (which is black and stainless)....so the black and stainless VPI was a no-brainer for me. In regards to options, no I didn't get any yet. That was one of the things I liked about the Classic is that there isnt a Long road of upgrades/options but there are a few. I am indeed interested in the delrin/stainless clamp(somehow I like the idea of a clamp vs the all stainless wt....although it is beautiful.) and the periphery ring. I'm not too interested in the SDS...for one, I'm out of real estate and secondly, from reports and my experience it doesn't need it.
I will post pics later today or in AM at the latest. Again, ENJOY....I know I am.

John

No hurry...I wouldn't want to take away form listening time. I'm with you on the (thankfully) limited range of upgrades. I hate not being satisfied with something because I know there's a million things I could change on it.

happy listening.

 

[Audio55]

I have the space, but no Classic

As you can see from the picture I got the space for my New Classic.. Going to replace that rack someday but in the meantime it will do.

John

 

[JohnVF]

As you can see from the picture I got the space for my New Classic.. Going to replace that rack someday but in the meantime it will do.

John

Aw, that poor Technics 1200. It doesn't know what's about to happen.

I moved mine to a dedicated rack instead of the console that it was on, but can't tell the difference. This could be either that 1: the console was sturdier than I though or 2: this rack kind of sucks. I'm going to get a butcher-block or slab of marble to sit on top of it.

 

[Audio55]

Aw, that poor Technics 1200. It doesn't know what's about to happen.

I moved mine to a dedicated rack instead of the console that it was on, but can't tell the difference. This could be either that 1: the console was sturdier than I though or 2: this rack kind of sucks. I'm going to get a butcher-block or slab of marble to sit on top of it.

I Glued and then screwed two butcher block type shelves together and then used a ¼ inch thick rubber damping material between the steel rack and the top shelf and screwed that also, so its very strong. I’m sure the 1200 will see less use but depending on the music I do like to switch phone stages. The Ming da MC which has an all tube power stage has a very warm sounding midrange that I personally like.

 

[Robie]

John,

Congrats!!!!!!!! What a cool TT!

I don't know how I missed this thread but I have been out of town a bit too. I would have posted sooner but it takes a long time just to get to the end of this thread.

I'll be in touch soon as I'm pretty sure this one won't go on the road.

 

[JohnVF]

John,

Congrats!!!!!!!! What a cool TT!

I don't know how I missed this thread but I have been out of town a bit too. I would have posted sooner but it takes a long time just to get to the end of this thread.

I'll be in touch soon as I'm pretty sure this one won't go on the road.

Thank you, Robie. Hey...in a way you were part of the path that got me here. Last time I was at your place, I heard your DL-103 and ordered one that day, and I think that cartridge is why my Empire sounded so good and struck me with the desire to just go all in. And boy am I glad I did. This sounds so much better than my other turntables, there's just so much more weight and authority to the sound. Now what do I do with all these CDs? I'd bring it over but it's not very mobile. I was a nervous wreck driving it home as it was all set up and not boxed, and it was only about a mile.

 

[Robie]

I hear the Dynavector is a really nice cartridge, too. Snade has one on one of his Duals and I was impressed. I heard fast and dynamic. How would you describe its sound vs. the 103?

I "inherited" what appeared to be a well-used Dynavector 10x3 with the Revox B-795 that came with my B&Ws. Perhaps I should mount that on my old Rotel but the diamond tip appears to be extremely small (as in physically worn out).

While elsewhere in this thread someone mentioned that the 103 will not fit on your new VPI, I have a Denon AU-310 Step-Up Transformer that I'm not using at present if that would help with one of your other TTs. However, it sounds like your other TTs are going to lightly used from now on.