Here's the biased viewpoint from a VPI TNT6-HR owner, who has numerous friends with VPI tables ranging from HW-19s to ScoutMasters.
I agree w/most of Sdcampbell's remarks. To my ear, the VPIs are solid as rock, with a black background, weighty presentation, with good detail, but perhaps a tad more emphasis on mid-bass than reality. To use another analogy, more of an "American sound" vs. "European sound".
I've heard the Champion Level 2 at a dealer with Audio Research electronics and Martin Logan speakers. None of these pieces are close to being favorites of mine, and the sound was bright & thin to my ears. When I heard the top of the line Clearaudio table at CES, there was tons of detail, but balance of the system was also a touch on the polite side. More emphasis on highs vs bottom end and midrange. Many in the room loved the sound, which was dynamic and threw a very wide soundstage, two areas in which both brands seem to excel.
Best thing to me about VPI is the proven upgrade path. Lots of value preservation IMHO. The people at VPI are indeed accesible if you have any questions. Harry is often on audioasylum's vinyl board under moniker, "HW". Cheers,
Spencer
I agree w/most of Sdcampbell's remarks. To my ear, the VPIs are solid as rock, with a black background, weighty presentation, with good detail, but perhaps a tad more emphasis on mid-bass than reality. To use another analogy, more of an "American sound" vs. "European sound".
I've heard the Champion Level 2 at a dealer with Audio Research electronics and Martin Logan speakers. None of these pieces are close to being favorites of mine, and the sound was bright & thin to my ears. When I heard the top of the line Clearaudio table at CES, there was tons of detail, but balance of the system was also a touch on the polite side. More emphasis on highs vs bottom end and midrange. Many in the room loved the sound, which was dynamic and threw a very wide soundstage, two areas in which both brands seem to excel.
Best thing to me about VPI is the proven upgrade path. Lots of value preservation IMHO. The people at VPI are indeed accesible if you have any questions. Harry is often on audioasylum's vinyl board under moniker, "HW". Cheers,
Spencer