I concur that the Eclipse system, which I believe is the name of the package that gives you a SOTA motor, the drive amplifier, and the Roadrunner that feeds back to it, plus the required Hall sensor to give the RR something to read, is likely to be superior to the new ADS, if only because the ADS probably does not incorporate a mechanism to read platter speed and correct for speed errors. I have been using the Phoenix Eagle amplifier and the RR to control my Lenco for several years now, and I would not be without it. I don’t know whether SOTA will sell you the Eclipse system without the included motor. If they won’t do that, then you will be replacing the motor of your VPI, which is no big deal especially if the total cost for the Eclipse is near the same as the cost of the stand alone ADS. And by all accounts, the SOTA motor in the Eclipse package is superb. The only thing to check in advance is whether there is a convenient way to mount the Hall sensor on the one hand, and the magnet that the sensor senses, on the underside of the VPI platter and the top of the plinth, respectively. It’s no mean feat to get that done right; the magnet has to pass within one-eighth inch of the sensor with each rotation, at least with my older Phoenix Engineering setup. But it’s very rewarding if you can make it work. OR, you can buy a 1200G.
Technics 1200G vs VPI Forever Model One
This is a bit of a loaded question, and the Forever line is probably still too new, but I'm going to toss this out anyway.
For backstory, I currently have a Mofi Ultradeck and it's treated me very well, but I'm starting to think about the next step and which piece I'd like to save for.
The Technics obviously has a legendary status, and is probably one of the lowest maintenance tables on the market. However they have become much more difficult to demo and you really have to purchase on blind faith that it will live up to expectations. The only time I've ever seen a 1200G was when I purchased my UD back in 2018 I demoed it alongside a 1200GR the dealer has one on display but I didn't get to hear it. That was before Technics scaled back to only higher volume dealers, which is somewhat annoying as a customer. But it's also the more affordable of the two options and I've also noticed the number of reviewers that continue to depend on the 1200G for their main systems. Obviously the option to quickly change headshells is part of the reason for reviewers, and that wouldn't really apply for me because I'm much more of a one cart type of person. But none the less, the 1200G sounds like a no brainer on paper.
However, I've always loved the looks and sound of VPI tables. I've heard several over the past decade, and every time I've enjoyed the sound and performance regardless of surroundings system and cartridge. It also helps that I normally hear them in fairly high end systems with quality cartridges. Last weekend I also got to meet Mat Wiesfeld at SWAF and got to spend a solid amount of time evaluating the Forever Model One. I really liked the sound of the table, love the look, and the modular design is interesting but also might be annoying. But the upgradability and repair options does have a real appeal to it, especially when I think about long term upgrades. The ownership experience will not be as easy. Replacing belts, oiling bearings, manual belt speed changes, suspended design. While it certainly seems easier to own than the older unipivot arms, it will require more effort and TLC. But it does have a cool factor that I just don't get from the Technics, and the idea of upgrading speed controls and arms over time does sound cool. I also have more faith that VPI will continue to honor service well past the production period of the Forever One. I'm not sure I have that same faith in Panasonic once the 1200G is discontinued.
Would love to hear thoughts from others on which direction you would go and what pushes you that way.