VPI Ceramic Platter


I just got VPI's new ceramic platter after living with the Superplatter, and then the Classic. I've read reports on these forums that there isn't much of a difference...WRONG. When replacing the Superplatter with the Classic, the sound difference is extremely dramatic with the Classic doing away with the stodginess of the Superplatter. The highs are much more extended without a kind of a wholly character. The sound difference just slaps you in the face. The difference with the ceramic platter is much more subtle....then you realize what it is and revel in it. The increased depth, focus and air is its major accomplishments, but there is a sweetness (not saccharine) of live music that you just don't hear with the classic. Crappy LP's are still crappy, but you can still make out the music rather than feeling like you just want to run away from it. The very worst and most disappointing record I have is Norah John's "Little Broken Hearts". I used to enjoy her efforts, but this one is produced sooooo badly by Danger Mouse, I will not get another Norah Johns album until I see this guy's name gone from the cover. I wonder why Norah sings words... The sound is an absolute blur, and yet with the ceramic platter, there are blurs of different depths, and if you listen closely you can actually hear what's going on. Next, I played a Ltd. Kiji by Leinsdorf on Serephin records from years ago. The speakers disappeared, as did the walls. The violins that are so difficult to reproduce, were clearly and sweetly singing. Percussion was never spread, but instantly and clearly struck. I suppose the best of these upgraded abilities will be lost unless excellent equipment is used. On another thought, you just can't change the spindle, install the platter and go. To find the best this platter can offer, you must tweak the tonearm. The platter is slightly different than with the Classic. Remember every single thing you adjust on the VPI arm affects every other adjustment. Take your time and do it all and enjoy.
128x128stringreen

Showing 2 responses by bifwynne

I'm a happy VPI customer!! Mike just sent me a Classic 3 tonearm bearing base to upgrade my Classic 1 base. Installation was a snap. Mike sent me all the tools, jigs, taps and alignment tools needed to show where and how to drill the new holes in the steel plinth. The Classic 3 base covers up the Classic 1 holes. The installation was so accurate I didn't have to change the cartridge overhang, which I think is pretty impressive.

The Classic 3 base is much heavier and better looking. It also has VTA on the fly. So I guess I now have a Classic 2.5 now. Funny thing is that the sound may have improved by a tweak or two, but not another league. But I don't care. The Classic 3 tonearm base looks better and it matches the Classic 3 wand that I bought a couple of years ago.

Bottom line: VPI aims to please and I am pleased!
I have a question -- not a comment. I have a Classic "2.5" TT, which has the original smooth platter.

The question is how much difference can there really be between a smooth versus groved side wall platter when we're talking about an 18 pound spinning disc? I ask because it seems to me that the inertia of a spinning 18 pound disc should result in a pretty even steady state speed, belt creep or not. Btw, it seems to me that my belt doesn't appear to creep much at all, even with a smooth sided platter.

Now a comment. As I mentioned above, I switched out my Classic 1 tone arm base for the Classic 3 base, which is heavier and has VTA on the fly. Maybe I'm going deaf, but if there is an improvement in performance, it's measurable in tweaks, not another league.

I guess my point is that there is a point where additional tweak improvements result in diminishing returns versus cost. And I think I have a pretty resolving system. While some tweaks make a difference (e.g., switching my carty to a Lyra Delos), many do not. Could be a case of acute "upgrade-itis."

Just my humble opinion.

Regards,

Bruce