VPI Classic 3 Upgrades or Move On to Something New

jjgasp,

I own a Classic 2.7 (sic).  Basically a Classic 1/2 plinth, which I upgraded by swapping out the tonearm, base and motor.  My back-up cartridge is a SS Zephyr.  My regular cartridge is  Lyra Kleos. 

Your OP states that your cartridge is a SS Zephyr.  If 1st generation Zephyr, you can get more bang from your buck with a cartridge upgrade.  The Zephyr (1st generation) is an ok cartridge, but just ok. 

Agree with comments above re phono pre.       

bigkidz, ... do you know if Matt (or anybody) picks up the phone at VPI?  Years ago, before Harry retired, somebody (like Jack or Mike) would also pick up the phone.  Not sure what goes at VPI with Matt at the helm. 

@bigby 

As I mentioned above, I own a Classic 2.7 (sic). Basically a Classic 1/2 plinth, which I upgraded by swapping out the tonearm, base and motor for Classic 3 parts.  The Classic 3 arm is the original metal arm.  My cartridge is a Lyra Kleos.

I am not looking to put a lot more into my TT setup.  Was thinking about swapping the old Classic 3 metal arm for the 3D arm. 

Wasn't really thinking about the SDS speed controller until I read your post.  Not being familiar with the SDS upgrade, I thought that it ensured that the platter was spinning precisely at 33 1/3 RPM.  Is that not so?  Does one still need to check RPM speed with a strobe?

Alan, what incremental improvements would you suggest?  I am NOT looking to drop mega bucks into the TT.  Would be interested in something that gives big bang for the buck.

My electronics are all ARC:  Ref Phono 3SE, Ref 6SE linestage, Ref 150SE amp.

Thanks

@jjss49 

I read your early post.  So,... it seems you enjoyed some SQ improvement from the 3D arm.  That might be something for me to consider.  I presently do not intend to drop major bucks on a whole new TT rig.

I just upgraded my phone pre to the ARC Ref Phono 3SE.  I expect delivery next week.  I also swapped out the RCA/SE I/Cs that connected the old phono pre to my linestage for XLR/BAL I/Cs.  Together, both changes might make for an interesting SQ improvement.

I'll report back.

Other than Alan (bigby), any other reactions to the SDS controller??

Thanks           

@bigby 

Thanks for the info Alan, ... especially your comment that most of your listening is by streaming with Tidal. 

An fyi, ... I just replaced my old ARC Ref CD-8 (straight up redbook CD player) for an ARC Ref CD-9SE CD/DAC player.  I owned the CD-8 for over 9 years and it was pre-owned when I bought it.  The CD-8 transport started to glitch out so I replaced it with the CD-9.  The CD-8 owed me nothing after all those years of great trouble-free service. 

The CD-9 can handle various source inputs (e.g. USB, AES, Toslink, etc), but can't handle DSD or MQA.  Apologies in advance, ... I am too old to understand what I just wrote.  ;)  

I mentioned all of this because I am looking to dip my toe into the "streaming waters" (kinda' a pun) like you.  I was thinking about starting out slowly by hooking my Windows PC directly into the CD-9 DAC via a USB cable.  Several streaming services have been suggested, including Tidal, Qobuz, etc.    

All that said, I still love my vinyl.  My kids buy me lots of well pressed jazz reissues, which are fantastic, including artists such as Mingus, Brubeck, Monk, etc.  And I still have most of my old LPs from over 40 years ago.  One of favorite artists from the day is still Linda Ronstadt.

Well, as far as vinyl goes, based on comments from you and others, I think a proportionate investment might be a new VPI 3D arm and an SDS controller.

Thanks.

Bruce
    

@turntablemat

Hi Mat,

As I mentioned above, I own a tricked out first generation VPI Classic 1/2 table, which I upgraded many years ago with the help of Jack and/or Mike.  The upgrades included installing the Classic 3 300 RPM motor and cap (prevents turn-on/off thumps).  In addition, I switched out the Classic 1/2 arm and base for the Classic 3 stainless steel arm and base.  So, I have a first generation Classic 2.7 (sic).

My cartridge is a Lyra Kleos.  My electronics gear is all ARC. 

So, ... I am not interested in dropping mega bucks into the table.  But I was thinking about the 3D arm and maybe the SDS speed controller.  

What are your thoughts about the upgrades just noted? 

I also note that VPI is using a gimballed arm.  Does it sound significantly better than the old JMW uni-pivot?

One last question.  Do the following parts require replacement at some point:  (1) the inverted bearing that supports the heavy aluminum platter; (2) the uni-pivot needle upon which the JMW arm rests; and (3) the metal bearing inside the JMW arm which sits on the uni-pivot needle. 

As an fyi, I clean and lubricate the inverted platter bearing at least once a year and put a drop of electric motor oil on the shaft of the motor.  

Your "care and feeding" advice will no doubt help other VPI TT owners.

Thanks

Bruce