Cartridges

Given the level you have, experimenting with another cart and tubed phonostage will give another view of a "convincing presentation" The Parasound you use is known as a "cant go wrong’ SS unit. You might find the tubed flavor more pleasant.

I use an old VPI Classic 1 also. It has many technical "flaws’ on paper, but set up properly, it can deliver the goods, relative to the sum of system.

"I only have 1 expensive record. It is Steely Dan Aja (Cisco) and came from discogs"

A $10.00 1977 AA-1006 or AB 1006 period pressing will easily sound convincing as any pricey "super reissue." Of course, this is subjective. The hard part is finding one unmolested. I am fortunate to have a neighborhood store with cheap "stampers’

I have mentioned before, Mr. Hot Stamper used to send his scouts to this store for those $3-500 "white hot stamper’ candidates. Now and then, I believe I find the very copy of what he describes in his super embellished write ups on them. Difference being, I paid somewhere between $1-20 bucks

Steely Dan – Aja (1977, Santa Maria Pressing, Gatefold, Vinyl) - Discogs

Steely Dan – Aja (1977, Terre Haute Pressing, Vinyl) - Discogs

Cables and other audiophool stuff will only drain your wallet faster.

"I got it used from a family member already on the VPI and it’s probably 8 yrs old. He’s an avid listener too."

A fresh stylus may be all that’s needed. Bass punch should be at least on par with your other sources, but it is cart model dependent. Some are more prevalent than others.

I wouldn’t get too caught up with all the comments on reality of VPI’s "inferior" design. As mentioned, I use the same model, and there is no shortage of the spectrum low to high. For reference, I have heard plenty of uber setups throughout the years. And yes, an unmolested period copy for $3 bucks of most anything can sound spectacular thru the VPI Classic, but setup and phonostage flavor(SS or tube)can be a game changer. I use an all-tube setup.

"Mr. Hot Stamper indeed. What this guy provides for lazy well-heeled audiophiles is a complete cleaning including ultrasonic cleaning of non-scratched/abused copies"

I believe chrisoshea sums it up, but missing the other ingredient-the dead wax stamp of 1st release press. While I haven't done a shoot out, perhaps the 2nd run sounds just as good as No.#1

My luck has been good over the years finding "stamper" candidates at wallet friendly prices.