2. analog
  3. 1262825245

Another VPI or something else for under $2k

I have a max out VPI SSM Ref (rim drive & super platter), it sounds superb in my main system.

I will be moving and want to setup a small analog system. Just bought a PCX modded PS Audio GCPH which I will use as pre/phono. I will be buying my analog used to maximize my return. Want to keep TT/arm budget under $2k, lower is better. I have some spare cartridges (Transfiguration Tempest, Rao something, and a Shure), haven't decided which one to use.

The usual suspects are:

VPI Superscout
Clearaudio Performance CMB (very rare in used market)
Nottingham Space 294 (most likely over $2k)

I want to try something other than VPI if I can, but VPI is most abundant and very proven. Another VPI?
semi

Showing 2 responses by tfkaudio

tfkaudio
591 posts
 
I agree that butter pecan is the way to go. Strain out the pecans before damping your tonearm with it. Add a little to the main bearing to get a sweeter sound.

Seriously though, you've got a VPI so try something else. I've often thought of getting a second TT (I also have the SSM Rim-Drive) and if I had...

a lot of money I'd try - Teres
a little money I'd try - Rega

I'd really like to try the Grand Prix Monaco, but that would require a lot of money stacked on top of even more money. (The SSM Rim-Drive was a multi-year budget stretcher for poor me.)

Cheers
tfkaudio
591 posts
 
Since the Anna is unipivot arm, many of the good choices for the JMW tonearms (med. to high compliance) will also be good matches. The Anna arm has a higher effective mass, though, so a lighter cartridge than those you use on your VPI may be better. A Grado Sonata would be an excellent choice, I would think, as would a Lyra Dorian or an Audio Technica AT-0C9.

Cheers.
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