I've owned many VPIs over the years. The motor should be essentially quiet. Dead quiet with a stethoscope resting on the motor? I doubt it. I'm not sure any motor will pass that test. What you're describing sounds like a defective motor. Let us know what VPI says.
Alternative to VPI motor for Aries 3?
I have the latest Aries 3 and according to this webpage:
http://www.vpiindustries.com/products_aries3.htm
It has the following description of the motor:
So this is 'supposed' to be a low noise motor, but I can hear the resonance noise within 2 ft, and I believe the cartridge actually pick up the noise which is audible during the quiet passage of a song.
The question is, is there any other motor that's quieter than the VPI??
http://www.vpiindustries.com/products_aries3.htm
It has the following description of the motor:
The solid black aluminum motor assembly is almost 10 pounds and contains a low noise 300-RPM synchronous motor with Delrin motor pulley. This is a very low noise system as the fundamental resonance of the motor is at 5 Hertz. Well below the ability of a cartridge to pick it up.
So this is 'supposed' to be a low noise motor, but I can hear the resonance noise within 2 ft, and I believe the cartridge actually pick up the noise which is audible during the quiet passage of a song.
The question is, is there any other motor that's quieter than the VPI??