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Looking to upgrade from a Marantz tt15 to something vpi?

Here is my current situation. I am trying to build a system that I will have for quite a while and stop trying to upgrade all the time. My current system is a pair of focal electra 1038 be speakers, primaluna DiaLogue premium HP amp and premium preamp, and a Fosgate signature phono preamp for my analog along with the Marantz tt15 and the clearaudio virtuoso cartridge. I have always liked the looks of the vpi tables and have considered them but always out of my reach. My Marantz tt15 just doesn't match all of my black gear and I know it's stupid, but it bugs me. So I was looking at a vpi aries black night with some upgrades and it would be about a grand more than I could sell mine for. I'm mainly just looking used to try and find as good of a deal as possible. I will be looking in the 3 grand or less range and just wondering how much I would notice in quality improvement over the Marantz table if I spent another grand or two trying to get a better one. I have a like new denon 103r cartridge sitting around that I could use on a new table until I could get an even better one. Any suggestions are more than welcome. Thanks 
aj1735
12 responses Add your response
chayro
2,997 posts
 
I'm getting a sense that you are looking for a new toy, but if your only issue is the color, I looked around a bit and saw that frosted acrylic can be painted.  Maybe you could just have the plinth painted black? 

https://www.acmeplastics.com/content/how-to-paint-on-frosted-acrylic-plastic-panels/#:~:text=The%20best%20kind%20of%20paint,sponge%2C%20to%20name%20a%20few.
picahenry
10 posts
 
I bought a Super Prime Scout with the Soundsmith Otello cartridge and I could not be happier. It is an awesome turntable, and the on-the-fly VTA is awesome. I cobbled together my system for under $6K using the New VPI, A Threshold NS10 Preamp, Parasound HCA-800II, and I just hooked up a pair of Snell J3’s; the ones sitting on ebay for ever, can’t believe it. Those Snells are the Cherry on the whole system but my VPI Super Prime Scout is the heart. Gorgeous sound, great looks. Great value. I’m a huge fan and believer.
aj1735 OP
6 posts
 
I'm definitely trying to look at all options available. The only dealers here around Des Moines have some lower end ones, the same Marantz and a McIntosh. That's about the extent of it. So my only way to learn anything is to read and hear from people with some experience with some other options that would be in the budget. So that's why I came here. 😁
tablejockey
3,916 posts
 
aj175-
The Marantz is made by Clearaudio.
No personal experience with Clearaudio tables, but I know they’re solid.

As mentoned, you can get a bazillion recommendations on what’s "best".I used Regas years ago as a re entry for playing records.

If you do want no fuss, just play an LP, someone may chime in with a current Rega suggestion. It looks like a P6 or better is the way to go.

Best to look at everything in your budget, and report back and consider all the suggestions. Demo something at a dealer if possible.

aj1735 OP
6 posts
 
I can't believe how similar our systems are. Lol what turntables did you use before the classic? I just don't know what direction to go. I had one person tell me that I should look at some of the other clearaudio tables like the performance DC table. Any opinions about other tables that might be options are welcome also. I just don't have a ton of experience with a lot of different turntables like these. The Marantz is the best one I've had. 
tablejockey
3,916 posts
 
I have some similar components.

PL HP(integrated)
Foz(V2) phonoamp
Very familiar with the Focals with PL(great pairing) but don't have them in my system.

Been using a VPI Classic for 6 years. It's delivers enough of what a REALLY nice system is capable of. If I were starting over, I would look for a used  Aries/Prime, or some iteration of a Classic with the 3d arm. Get something for considerably less than a brand new, full retail unit.

You're aware audio at this level is especially subjective, and argued to death by  "experts"


A proper VPI setup will show you what the fuss is all about. It's a polarizing brand. Users either like them or despise the uni pivot. The "experts" have plenty to say what's wrong with the design. My ears could care less.

From what I've read the Marantz is a decent table for what it is. How much of an improvement is a subjective call, but I would say you would hear noticeable differences that should be pleasing and more convincing.

Whatever VPI you decide on, spend as much as you can on a proper cart.MM,MI or MC.

aj1735 OP
6 posts
 
Just so many options. Lol I just want to know that I'm going to notice a decent sized improvement over my current table if I spend an extra grand or two grand or so. I'm not limited to just vpi but they have been the main ones that I've been looking at. I want to be nice looking also and be preferably black too. 
tzh21y
1,654 posts
 
We'll, those original scouts sound pretty darn good as well
aj1735 OP
6 posts
 
I'm not saying that I have to use the denon or that I'm in love with it, but it's just sitting on a shelf and could be used if needed to. 😊 I think that I have a couple others sitting around too but I think they are lower end yet. I think there is a grado gold, some shure, and maybe another but I can't remember for sure. 
aj1735 OP
6 posts
 
I have looked at those super prime scouts on the upscale audio website and they look pretty impressive. Does something like that get me the most performance for the money vs getting an older used one that was a "better" or at least more expensive when it was new? Would that be worth a grand more than like the aries black night with some upgrades? I know it's all relative but just trying to get the most performance out of the money and not have to worry about wanting to upgrade anytime soon. 
tzh21y
1,654 posts
 
VPI headshells are not a good match for denon 103 cartridges.  I suppose it might work but those denons are pretty long.
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drrsutliff
860 posts
 
Look at the VPI "Super Prime Scout".  Scout plinth with Prime platter and tonearm.  Used one at the Florida Expo in a friends room and it performed very well for the retail asking price.    
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