Turntable Upgrade

This is an excellent line up, and very similar to the lineup I have in mind for a potential upgrade. I'm curious why something further up the Clearaudio line isn't on the list. A Signature or Performance DC Air with Tracer arm would be in budget. 

Either way, at this price point you are entering the area where a road trip is solid insurance that you'll be happy with the investment. If you need to buy blindly, I would likely go 1200G. Easy to setup, potentially best resale. 

But also I'd imagine no true wrong answers here. 

" no true wrong answers here. "

Agreed.

If anything, the OP might learn of a particular choices' strength/weakness and make the choice on what brand/model will fit the bill.

If VPI is chosen, I'd look at used-there's always good deals in the listings.

Longtime Classic user. VPI ISN'T without its share of shortcomings(in reference to "next level table") but when setup properly it will give a decent slice of SOTA for not too much cash outlay.

VPI Classic 3 TurnTable & 10.5" JMW Memori... For Sale | Audiogon

VPI Industries Classic 2 For Sale | Audiogon

If you were looking for an endgame with a wider wallet, this negotiated for a lower price is what I would go for

VPI Industries HW-40 Limited Edition For Sale | Audiogon

Put a $3-5K cart on an be done with turntable insanity!

The "problem" with something like this, you could get used to performance, and be curious about the "next level"(there ALWAYS is) and now you're too far gone...

I think VTA on-the-fly is overrated. I had that on my Clearaudio Ovation and found I never used it if I wanted to listen to music. When I upgraded to a Clearaudio Innovation I didn't bother getting the arm board that supports fitting the Clearaudio VTALifter2 (i.e. on-the-fly adjustment) I still have.

The thing is lathes that cut lacquers for LPs aren't even consistent enough to make dynamic VTA useful, unless you plan to set it by ear for every record before playing the record (yeah, that's as painful as it sounds).

The Clearaudio Concept supports adjusting VTA statically when changing cartridges. It's a matter of loosening the bolt that locks the tonearm in the armboard.

I had a VPI Prime with the 3D Unipivot are and HATED it.  I hated it so much that for a year I never used it or played vinyl.  I traded it in on a Technics SL 1200G turntable and never looked back.  I now play more vinyl than CD’s. The VTA on the fly was a PIA to use as if I did it while the record was playing, the crappy VPI unipivot arm would move or tilt towards one side.  Was no fun at all. 

If it's between VIP and Technics, I'd choose VIP 150 times out of 100.

Thanks all. Yeah, I've heard about the Unipivot tonearm causing some frustration. I'd do the gimballed that should help with that wobbling. Used TTs are tempting but I think I'll stick with new and have a trial period. I'd want to hear how it sounds with my equipment in my room. I don't imagine I'll use the VTA on the fly other than a couple of times, at setup. So maybe that feature isn't so important. That said, I've been leaning VPI, haven't heard anything compelling to push me elsewhere, Unipivot aside. 

One of the main things I had found out when searching for an analog rig was that there are many avenues to explore to get great sound. I am not anti direct drive nor am I anti belt drive (as these systems seem to be the main ones) Also I am not light TT is better than heavy. Floating suspension is better than…. ? There are many very good designs and it’s really up to the individual. For instance I just bought a belt drive with Unipivot tonearm and like the on the fly VTA. I have never liked motors built into the plinth nor light turntables…. but that’s me. Technics makes a great TT and so does VPI and so does Rega and Well Tempered and Denon and Pro-ject and Thorens and Nottingham, Audio Technica, Fluance and many others. For some maybe “set and forget” is an easier solution. Let’s not forget that whatever you spend on a TT you must ALSO get the best cartridge and phono preamplifier as well. Those two additional pieces can make or break your TT choice.

I currently have a VPI Signature 21 (w/FatBoy Gimbal), ADS, and the VPI Peripheral Ring. Really great combo (currently used with a Lyra Kleos SL).

In three years of use, I’ve never used the VTA on the fly. I suppose it’s good to have if one is so inclined.

Just got a new table myself (awaiting arm), but really have enjoyed the VPI quite a bit. If you were to go with a VPI Classic, you may want to look into the Sota Eclipse/VPI setup as a future upgrade. Also would highly recommend the Peripheral ring...pricey but worth it (to me).

I love my VPI ....have a Superscoutmaster/upgraded VPI arm/Super platter, 2nd pivot on arm, Winfield cart. SDS, spikes under feet, peripheral ring / spindle weight.....never had any problem with it....sounds great.

I’m very content with my Dohmann Helix One Mk2