VPI and TTWeights for VPI Classic 3


Hi All,

I am a happy owner of VPI Classic 3 +SDS with T3 Terminator Linear AirBearing tonearm, ZYX 4D-X Paratrace stylus (Fantastic mod by Expert Stylus) and just the other day I was playing a little bit with clamp, mat and outer ring on my VPI.

Just as a curiosity, and everybody is free to try this out too and perhaps post their impression, I cut little pieces of Magic Eraser (I use it to keep stylus clean) and start putting them under the label in between the platter and the vinyl and then put some under the clamp and a little on the outer ring and the change is pretty significant (however the magic eraser is staticky and therefore not suitable for this application however it improves the sound).
This led me to think that probably it was possible to find better accessories and I started to look out on internet and came across the TTWeights company.
Their outer ring, mat very interesting.
I also read that other VPI owners were very impressed by the increment on performance.

I am also wondering why VPI puts threads on the spindle if the stainless steel doesn't screw in it.
At TTWeight they told me they used to make a clamp for VPI with threads on it but VPI kept on changing threads and so they discontinued it.

The accessories are pretty expensive, thinking that the ultimate Mat is $600, the outer ring another $620 they must really be worth the extra $$

Therefore I decided to open up a thread since I know there are pleanty of users here like me, that own VPIs and that have surely try to play around with these accessories.

Hope I can get some good tip.

Thank you all for your attention.
stefanoo

Showing 6 responses by brf

Stefanoo, the rubber washer fits over the spindle and is 1.25 inches in diameter. It is to be used in conjunction with VPI's screw down clamp.

The washer "slightly" suspends the record over the platter. The screw down clamp has a concave bottom and when screwed down it "cups" the record into contact with the platter.
VPI tables are designed to work with either a screw down clamp with washer or a centre weight and periphery ring.

VPI threads their spindle to accommodate both methods. I have owned a lot of VPI tables and their spindle threading has not changed in over 20 years.

I also use the Black Diamond Racing one piece record clamp (screw down) on my table and for me it gives the best performance. Have not tried any of the TTW products but they are well machined and cost competitive.
Moonguy, I have tried many clamps including the VPI clamps and the VPI centre and periphery weight. I have also tried the HRS, Furutech Monza, Thorens and the BDR one piece. Differences were subtle, but my preference was the BDR.
Stefanoo, you use the same VPI supplied rubber washer with the BDR clamp. The BDR clamp has a recessed bottom.
Vpi washer. 1.25" x 1/8" thick. You can order from
Vpi or purchase an upgraded washer from Herbie Audio.

Home Depot also sells the Vpi rubber washer.
Stefanno, what you have is a VPI centre weight. It uses mass instead of a thread drive system to create pressure on the album.

The VPI centre weight does not use the rubber washer; it is designed to be used in conjunction with the periphery ring.