2. analog
  3. 169437-1660

The value of embellishment?

Does adding a leather veneer to a $4K more than double  value?
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisachj2-vpi-industries-prime-in-leather-limited-edition-turntable...

Couldn't resist asking the question. The claimed sonic improvements:
"The effect of the leather skin and hardened stainless steel is a sonic upgrade over a stock Prime, in terms of detail, bass extension, air, and resolution." Interesting. I thought it was arm/cart for the most part.  I hear all those descriptors with my VPI. You get more.....uh, okay.

I have leather faced speakers-it  works for the aesthetic. On the VPI- subjective like everything, but on a turntable plinth?
The footers look corny. This stuff is subjective of course, but it sure looks...

Not bashing VPI-I use one, and enjoy it for what it is.   I'd love to own a HW40. No leather though, thanks.
tablejockey

Showing 1 response by wspohn

wspohn's avatar
wspohn
620 posts
 
Montalban was a paid flack - he took money to mispronounce 'Cordoba' for Chrysler ads and touted 'fine Corinthian leather' which didn't in fact exist.

Hmm - I wonder if VPI uses Corinthian leather because it sounds better.....

But hey - it opens the door to a bunch more 'audiophile' magic treatments like the various contact ointments and magic buttons etc.  How long will it take to see reviews on how so and so leather treatment drastically improves the music played on one of these?

Me?  I would just haul out the jar of Connelley Hide Food that I use on the leather upholstery in my British cars.   At least until someone comes out with a review that tells me it makes the sound 'greasy'....
More to discover