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VPI Classic 3 or SME 20/2

Hello all - I'm considering moving from my Classic 3 with 10.5 3D arm to the SME 20/2 with SME V arm and I wanted to see if anyone out there has made this move (or a similar move) and if so what are your impressions. I'm using a Benz LPS cartridge right now and use the Allnic AUT2000 step-up transformer into the MM phono stage of my VAC integrated (sigma 160i). Overall I am very happy with my vinyl sound right now - I'm only considering trying the SME because it is available for a good price within driving distance and it's such a ballyhooed tt that so many seem to consider a destination piece. (I also, like many of you I imagine, enjoy trying new gear.) But it will be a bit of hassle doing everything involved to make it happen and so if it is going to be largely a lateral move I'd prefer to avoid the effort. I'm aware that the SME V doesn't allow for azimuth and on-the-fly VTA adjustments. Have also read that the Benz LPS is a nice match for the SME V. Also painfully aware that there's no way to know without hearing with my own ears - I can (and will) audition the SME but I never have much success getting a feel for other gear in short auditions in unfamiliar rooms. So any impressions out there would be much appreciated. 
davelarz

Showing 3 responses by sbank

sbank's avatar
sbank
3,382 posts
 
Following @testpilot 's logic, if you ever decided to go back, there will always be a bunch of VPIs available used, including models where the motor is decoupled, which I've found to be a decent improvement over the alternative. Cheers,
Spencer 
sbank's avatar
sbank
3,382 posts
 
Not sure if this will help, but my local audio club of 80 members had more owners of VPI tables than any other brand, everything from original Scout to HRX. About 2 years ago, about 6 or 7 of 15-20 all sold their VPIs and went in varying directions. Not a single one of them has gone back to a VPI nor regretted the decision. Most of the changers went sideways or slightly up in price. FWIW, I  was one of those guys.Don't think any of us bought SME, so no direct comparisons. 
When I have heard of dissatisfaction w/SME it's usually with the arms sounding "boring", perhaps too dark and analytical. Of course, detractors would argue that the SME extracts more details and that it's a good thing. 
Ultimately, without a chance to compare them side by side, you are going to have to trust your gut at some point. Perhaps that's why so many replies touch on the market aspects of your dilemma. Cheers,
Spencer 
sbank's avatar
sbank
3,382 posts
 
@davelarz, before making a radical change to the arm, I'd suggest trying to play with your setup in the room and room treatment. Many in squarish rooms have reported improvements by going to placement of the speakers across a corner at 45 degrees. Bobby at Merlin and others have used this setup at shows with square rooms to great effect. 

There are tons of threads to read about bass traps, etc. If your room is peaking at a certain low freq. you can often fix the problem with traps in the corners behind the speakers (or all 4 corners). DIY traps are high performing if you are so inclined. To test the theory you can even buy a few of the round roll bags of fibreglass at your local Lowes or Home Depot and put them in the corners. RealTraps and GIK are two worthy commercial products that are fairly priced. Mio Weave are bargains for treating echo and mid/high reflections if you decide to treat the room in total. Cheers,
Spencer

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