Seeking Opinions on Clearaudio and VPI Turntables


Just want to ask opinions on these two tables in the $2,000 to $3000 range the sonic differences assuming the both tables use the same cart.

For VPI, its either the Scout or the Aries 3 vs the Clearaudio Champion Level 1 or Level 2 (stretch).

Arm would be the JMW vs the Unify or Emotion arm.

Based on my short research, vpi character is dark vs the more lively detailed sounding clearaudio.

Anyhow, some comments from users would be highly appreciated.
mid40sguy

Showing 1 response by waynefia

Hello, I will not attempt to add to the audio knowledge on this forum, as I have very little compared to many here. But from a practical point, I like to be able to pickup a phone and talk to the guys who build and design stuff. I have a VPI HW-19, and it is nice to talk to some of the main people who design and troubleshoot the product, which I have done several times. Clearaudio, you have to deal with the Distributor, whom I have seen mixed reactions on getting much help from them. I suppose you could call or email Germany(I believe). My point being practical(this is probably a stupid point, as what is practical in audio) is VPI builds a quality product, obviously Audiophile accepted, right in New Jersey, and you can pickup the phone or email and talk to the owner and main design guys for help, and they are very nice about it, and helpful.
Oddly, I have a Clearaudio cartridge on my VPI, that I eneded up with in a odd way. But none of what I wrote above is meant to indicate anything wrong with the Clearaudio TT.