VPI Classic Cartridge Help


Soon I will be purchasing a VPI Classic and an considering Cart choices. I would like to stick with a $5-700 price range initially. My current rig is a Rega Planar 2 with Ortofon Blue. I purchase a lot of used records at used record stores, thrift stores, etc and wondered about playing these records with a more expensive cartridge. I clean with a VPI RCM but am concerned about beating up a good cart. with "rough" records that have some scratches. Is there any particular cart or stylus type that I should consider? I wanted to order the VPI with the cart installed at the factory and have it checked by the dealer- I think that narrows the choice of cart. manufacturers.

The rest of my system: B&W 802D, Spectron amp, Cary SLP03 Preamp.
stl114_nj

Showing 3 responses by csng1

i have VPI classic/dyna17D3/Vpi Hr-x clamp/vpi outer ring and they sound great, i felt clamp and outer ring is a must, it put so much weight in the music.
about close to 100hrs playing, sounding better and better, i waiting for the VTF ring so i could move to 2 to 2.2g, now is max out at 1.95g
St11 14
the outer ring help to flatten the LP just like the clamp, it make the music sound more weight and don't really have words for it, i took the advise from someone that said even if you decide to sell in 2 to 3 year time, most likely your depreciation is about 25% as this is stainless steel, maybe price will continue to go up. i don't find it troublesome at all, it actually looks very nice.
i got good price from my deal VPI HRX-clamp and outer ring for C$660 plus taxes