VPI Classic 1 tone arm swap help needed

While the Classic chassis isn't ideal for chasing next level sound, I think it's a "good enough" foundation as a fun,DIY project.

Just like goofing around with an older Rega, but a little closer to $eroiou$ performance?

Just my ears-heard plenty of amazing  and ridiculous over  the  years.

I'm guessing with proper DIY skills and armboard, you can adapt just about any trick arm?

You can get a new table, and it will always sound "better.'

What fun is that if your a tinkerer?

My next table won't be a VPI,  but 'm keeping it for a passion project. I would  imagine as long as your final choice agrees with the solid plinth  design, is what matters?

These 2 would be on my list just for kicks.

https://clearaudio.de/en/products/tonearms-tt5.php

Just looks cool.

https://www.triplanar.com/mk-vii/

The TP has been around, and accepted as a "can't go wrong" choice- IMO.

@tablejockey well that TP makes that upgrade no brainer to me.

honestly I would upgrade the whole thing and like you said keep the VIP for project, how ever that one fits all of my criteria accept the tone arm. it has classic shape inboard motor inboard power supply solid stainless table iy has looks and fits my space and sounds way better for what it cost.... therefor tone arm upgrade.... once for good and call the day.... now I see you like things so complicated that brain hurts just imagining how that thing works not to mention how to set it up :) me opposite straight lines and less is more ideology..... that's why in trying to muscle in SME IV.vi or better V .... how bad it can be?? 

Why not get the gimbaled VPI arm, mount it and call it a day?

Note that the VPI tonearms are surface mount with the phono cable exiting on top of the plinth. SME and many others are through plinth mount with the phono cable exiting below the plinth. The VPI Classic is not setup for through the plinth tonearms.

There are not many tonearms that are surface mount, but Tri-Planar Precision Tonearm is an example of surface mount tonearm that is well regarded. Tri-Planar sometimes is available for sale 2nd-hand. But keep in mind the VPI Classic has limits for tonearm length with the length of the current VPI 3D-10JMW-10-3D-UniPivot – VPI Industries about as long as you can fit. Also, a new tonearm like the Tri-Planar may need a new tonearm base to make sure the tonearm is at the correct level. Your basic VPI Classic probably does not have the tonearm base that a VPI Classic Signature has.

@stereo5  Not worth the effort, my biggest issue is with the wire going up from arm and catching some kind of static that I'm struggling with and I need signal cables going down not up 

@antinn 

I'm aware of all of the issues you are pointing out.  Tri-Planar Precision Tonearm would be the easiest swap but I like challange and iv .vi would be my first choice to struggle fit in  or maybe SME V. According to VPI it can be fitted to my table.

I need to find the info of actual demotions of the sme arm. I need dimension from the bottom to the centerline of the arm.

"now I see you like things so complicated that brain hurts just imagining how that thing works not to mention how to set it up :) me opposite straight lines and less is more ideology..... that's why in trying to muscle in SME IV.vi or better V .... how bad it can be?? "

I get it. I like my Classic  for the traditional looks, and based on 14 years of trouble free use.

As mentioned, you could just get a VPI gimbal as a drop in.

I don't know how much of an SQ "improvement" it is? I'm thinking-meh.

I would reach out you VPI. They might  provide insight on armboard and other info needed to perform a swap?

Off topic, I too am a roadie. Overdue for the retirement rig.

Current one was purchased in 2010 and I'm not yet enjoying wireless shifting and disc  brakes. Anything I want is gonna be over $10K+!!

@tablejockey 

well I'm building "forever" TT.... at least that is what I think for now... I said that before...

es I was about to speak with VPI tech department but I got that idea Friday at 4PM Central they were already closed they are Eastern time zone, however that is the first thing ill do Monday morning.

I’m guessing whatever design chosen, if you can manage to fit something AND keep the original dustcover- that’s a win.

SME is another one of the "can’t go wrong" choices.

Also guessing a 12" could be fitted with some custom AB? Imagination seems to be the only limit for DIY projects.

@tablejockey 

12' is a tempting idea however 10" is most common size and 10" what I have access to,..... so as you can see choice is not real y complicated...

Keep you posted tomorrow after I speak with VPI tech.

I would sell the Classic 1 and buy a new VPI Forever Model One, without an arm. It has an armboard and would allow you to put whatever arm you want on it. Later if you want to change it out...no problem.

https://www.vpiindustries.com/vpiforevermodelone?srsltid=AfmBOooVtbZ5kPdunS9dS1sRp6KUGm0Ey5zern72LVB2kiQGpK2B4Wxf

@tablejockey 

Great idea :) I'm gonna add on arm board to my classic it will do the same trick ! thanks for an idea !