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VPI Aries Questions

I have a chance to purchase a used Aries with the JMW 10.5" arm for around $3,000. Along with this is the SDS unit and 2 piece cover. I've also been talking with a VPI dealer who has suggested a purchase of the Aries 2 extended with a JMW 12 or 12.5. The cost to me new is about $4600. The $4600 is a bit rich for me, and the $3000 is affordable, but I don't want to make a mistake for the sake of saving money now that I'll regret later.

Any quidance you could provide me regarding all this would be most appreciated. Which arm provides the best sound, is the SDS a critical component, and does the original Aries still perform in the high end or quality range of turntables? Is the Aries 2 a significant improvement over the Aries to warrant the additional $? Unfortunately, I don't have the opportunity to listen to high end equipment in the area I live in, and your help is most appreciated.
128x128jcbach

Showing 1 response by sayas

sayas
188 posts
 
I have used the SDS and it did provide alittle improvement in dynamics through a quieter soundstage, I THINK that is what I heard.

12.5 is easily an improvment on the other arms as it tracks more like the way it was cut and tracks with less tracking error.

Depending on where you situate your TT will determine the need for more TT. The less it is isolated the better the TT you will need to make up for the distrubance.

Good Luck finding the right mix
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