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Thinking About Upgrading the VPI Tonearm Base

This post is directed to VPI Classic TT owners. I own a Classic 1 TT, with a Classic 3 wand upgrade. Been thinking about upgrading the tonearm base to the Classic 3 base. I am not interested in dropping the $$$$ to buy a Classic 3 TT. The Q is would you expect that upgrading the tonearm base will yield any improvement in sound??

BTW, when I asked Mike at VPI if this could be done, he said ... yes.

Mike also suggested that I might improve the sound isolation of my TT by mounting the TT on a 2 or 3 inch thick piece of butcher block, which would be supported by four tennis balls placed in ashtrays to provide stability -- i.e., to keep the TT and butcher block from rolling off the table. I'll report back later about the results.
bifwynne

Showing 3 responses by bifwynne

bifwynne OP
2,206 posts
 
Yes Suteetat. Actually, Mike (VPI) said I could drop the Classic 3 tone arm base on the Classic 1 plinth. He said it's very easy to do. As you know the Classic 3 base has VTA on the fly. My thought is that the upgraded Classic 3 base will match the Classic 3 arm I already have. I guess my Q is whether the Classic 3 base will improve the sound playback as compared to the Classic 2 base, which also has VTA on the fly.

Btw, Mike mentioned that VPI will be introducing a super-duper fixed gimbel tonearm for the Classic 2. He suggested that I wait and try it out.
bifwynne OP
2,206 posts
 
Did the upgrade. I was a little nervous that I would screw up [pun -- :>')] the installation. That is drilling and tapping new holes. But I did it A-OK. Mike sent me everything I needed, drill hole template, drill bit, tap, screws, etc. The support base is not a hockey puck. It's L-shaped to cover up the holes in the plinth from the Classis 1 base. It's actually larger than the Classic 3 bottom base and I suppose a little more mass. Other than that, the install was perfect. So much so that when I checked the overhang, there was no need to make any adjustments. Impressive.

I can't say that there is a day and night difference in sound quality between the Classic 1 and 3 bases. I think my system and ears are resolving enough to pick it up. Maybe a little better as measured in tweaks. But I like the VTA on the fly feature and was able to dial in the VTA for my Lyra Delos just right. And ... it looks better than the Classic 1 base.

If I ever sell the TT, which I doubt I will, I will ask a premium price for the hot-rodded tone arm base and wand. I'd call it a Classic 2.5. LOL

Right now, the next tweak project is improving the TT base. I've ordered a 2 inch thick maple butcher block slab and 5 rubberized cork feet. I'll report back on that tweak when I get it set up.

Other than that, I'm in vinyl heaven.

Cheers!
bifwynne OP
2,206 posts
 
String..., I re-read the thread and yes, ... you did say that. And I have to admit your advice is usually spot on. I'll keep the bear paws on the radar screen.

As I said, I ordered a maple butcher block slab and rubberized cork feet. Let's see what that does. Btw, how much do bear paws cost?? Do you think there will still be much benefit if I use the butch block slab AND the bear paws?

Btw, btw, I'm playing an oldie but goodie, The Night Hawks. Wow!! I can feel the bass guitar SPL slam kicking my chest and listening seat. The Classic/Delos combo is great -- with a little help from the rest of my rig. It's a shame CDs suck so much compared to a great vinyl set-up.
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