2. analog
  3. 1371249931

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.
stringreen

Showing 8 responses by stringreen

stringreen's avatar
stringreen OP
6,508 posts
 
Hiendmuse....nope...inverted spindle, however, I couldn't use the one from the Classic ...something was different. I'm uncomfortable to publish a price...if you contact VPI, they'll tell you.
stringreen's avatar
stringreen OP
6,508 posts
 
Pmotz.... I understand I got one of the first of the production...Harry was trying to iron out some manufacturing glitches he said. Although its not yet on the website, if you call or write to VPI, they will accommodate your request. I have a Superscoutmaster rim drive, but I am pretty sure that your Aries uses the same platter. If you do decide to get the ceramic one, made sure you readjust your tonearm....there is a bit of a difference between the Classic platter and the Ceramic one. When you install the ceramic, it very well might look as though it is the same as the Classic.. Your arm will very probably need tweeking..mine did. Regarding the 3D arm. I understand that too is in production. The arm I understand is about 4000 dollars, but all you will need is the arm tube itself. While you're talking to VPI about the platter, you can ask them about the arm as well. I have a 10.5i...yours will be a different price. Happy listening. Stan
stringreen's avatar
stringreen OP
6,508 posts
 
Sytax..What I meant was that the setup perameters have to be reset...VTF, Azimuth, leveling the turntable proper, etc. The Superplatter is WAY different in sound...stodgy, muffled, and (because I have the rim drive) makes the tonearm sway in sync with the out-of-roundness of the Superplatter. It sounds to ME that you are correct in assuming that the ceramic coating does damp vibrations. I am not an agent of Harry (although my father's name is Harry, but was a dry cleaning mogul, not a turntable mogul).
stringreen's avatar
stringreen OP
6,508 posts
 
I can not tell you if the ceramic platter does or does not damp vibrations...all I know is what I hear. They guy next door hears an improvement, my wife does, and I do.....I don't care HOW it works, only that it does. The bad mouthing of VPI/Harry, does nothing to dissuade how most of the audiophile community feels about him. He is always helpful with any problems of his manufacture, and continues his thriving business using the highest ethical standards.
stringreen's avatar
stringreen OP
6,508 posts
 
I wouldn't exert much effort and/or money to change the Classic groove to non groove....If you have the itch that just doesn't go away, inquire if Harry would just exchange it for a modest fee. (yours would have to be refinished/manufactured to sell as new again.)
stringreen's avatar
stringreen OP
6,508 posts
 
Lewn....you're correct. My rim drive table MUST have a perfectly round platter, otherwise the out of roundness makes the turntable ride out and in to accommodate the different diameter of the platter and each point as it turns. The result is that the Superplatter forces the turntable back and forth. The VPI arm as you know rides on a sharp point, so the result was a rocking of the arm, which REALLY was awful to look at.... and much less awful to listen to (though I could hear it). The Superplatter is not made any more because it was so difficult to make it absolutely round. On another point, the Superplatter had a kind of tubby sound. When I went to the Classic platter, it was simply a revelation...the soundstage, the stability, the new information, etc. was wonderful. The difference between the Superplatter and the Classic is enormous...the difference between the Classic and the Ceramic is less so, however, still a very worthwhile upgrade.
stringreen's avatar
stringreen OP
6,508 posts
 
The Superplatter was really much better than the platter that came before it. The rim drive (difficulty in precision manufacture) was a non issue since only the belt drive was available then.
stringreen's avatar
stringreen OP
6,508 posts
 
Ptm...now that you have the smooth platter, its time to go to the ceramic platter. Talk to VPI...I bet it isn't as expensive as you might think
More to discover