CPI super platter vs. Classic aluminum platter

Thank you for your responses. I have the Super Platter on my Super Scoutmaster, which is better than the standard acrylic platter that came originally with the table. I read a couple of reviews that give the Classic aluminum platter glowing reviews on an Aries and on the Classic 3 tables. I understand the VPI exchange charge is about $150.

I believe they call it precession, not bs.

Yes, VPI made both inverted and non-inverted and could have made me either one. He recommended the inverted.

Why are you so angry mel? there's no need for that here.

I was the original poster on this and have since replaced my Super Platter with the Classic platter, which was later upgraded to a Classic platter with inverted oil-pumping bearing which Harry had custom-made.

The Classic platter is much better sounding IMO than the Super Platter. While the Super Platter was better than the original acrylic platter that came with my original Super Scoutmaster, the Classic platter is much more lively, dynamic, with clearer more natural sound. The Super Platter was dark sounding and veiled dynamics. As to Stringreen's point the Classic platter is also much better with the rim drive which I have. I have also upgraded to the 3D tonearm, which is a big improvement over the JMW 10.5i arm.

One of the great things about VPI is the ability to upgrade the platter, motor, tonearm, bearing, feet, etc. "if you want to."

It is pretty close Stringreen, but the Direct Drive is in a class of its own IMO. I've heard it on a few occasions. The Classic Platter fitted with the inverted oil-pumping bearing Harry which had made for me sounds even better than the standard Classic platter I had previously as the new platter spins with less resistance and more ease using a few drops of light synthetic oil instead of the Super Lube or white lithium grease.

Harry told me that he could make me a non-inverted bearing but did not recommend it, from an engineering standpoint, he said the non-inverted bearing will want to move after 6 months. The inverted bearing is more stable.

Mel- I never said that non-inverted bearings will deteriorate in 6 months. Harry said the design of non-inverted bearings will want to move after 6 months. The bearings according to Harry are hardened to Rockwell 60 and are so tough that they are extremely resistant to wear. You can't cut them with a saw or knife. My understanding in reading between the lines on my own research on precession is that non-inverted bearings after awhile may be noisier versus inverted bearings and may possibly increase rumble, but both bearings at this hardness level should be very long lasting.

I had the original acrylic platter with my Super Scoutmaster, and upgraded to the Super Platter, and then to the Classic platter with custom inverted oil pumping bearing. I personally prefer the sound of the Classic platter over the other 2.

My experience with VPI is that Harry is an inveterate music lover, audiophile, and gifted turntable designer. He is always pushing the envelope to further improve his designs. One of the great things about VPI is the ability to upgrade a platter, motor, bearings, tonearms, footers, etc. "if you want to" or not. No one is holding a gun to my head to do this. I choose to push the envelope with certain upgrades. in the end it's really all about enjoying
the music.

Mcbuddah, there is the standard inverted bearing for the Classic platter, which uses VPI super lube or white lithium grease. I had this platter, then upgraded to an inverted bearing with oil pumping bronze grooves in the platter, and I use a light synthetic oil (Liquid Bearings). This is a custom order. Sounds like you are talking about the oil pumping inverted bearing, not the standard inverted bearing. This is a worthwhile upgrade as platter turns with more ease and less resistance and is quieter.