2. analog
  3. 160847-33961

VPI Classic 3 Upgrades or Move On to Something New

I'm the 2nd owner of a VPI Classic 3, bought here on Audiogon in 2014.  Cartridge is Soundsmith VPI Zephyr.  Considering giving it some new life with a JMW 10-3D Unipivot Tonearm, Signature Feet, and ADS Speed Controller.  Total upgrade cost - $3,950.  

Or...should I go in a new direction and give another turntable a try?  I have no complaints about my current setup, but don't have a frame of reference for what I might be missing out on. 

Budget for a new turntable/cartridge combo is anywhere from $5,000-$10,000. Thoughts? 
jjgasp

Showing 3 responses by jjss49

jjss49's avatar
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
@bifwynne

read my post below... it is the very first one replying to the op

one of things i dislike about vpi is how it ensnares you into their upgrade spin cycle...

i am happier with my well tempered now... one and done...
jjss49's avatar
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
tablejockey's comment about a good phono stage is a good one

but certainly not exclusive of getting a better performing table
jjss49's avatar
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
one person’s experience for you as you collect info

i have a classic three with 10.5, metal and 3d arm (running at art 9, dyna xx2 and shelter 901) - 3d arm was noticeable upgrade, then went dual pivot... cool, but not a big sq difference

i still have the table, but since then i bought a well tempered labs amadeus as well as a oracle delphi 2 with origin live arm... both tables are more ’musical’ than the vpi which sounded cool and clinical in comparison... vpis bass a smidge better but up the range into mids and highs there was so much more ease and rhymthic drive to the music

the classic 3 sits there on the side rack, idle... looking cool, but that is about it
More to discover