VPI Classic - Now you have one......

I've heard the Classic directly compared to a VPI Aries 1 and Aries 3 table with the same cart in the same system and the Classic ranked significantly behind the others.

The Classic was very lively, but rather hot and noisy on the top end and the bass was all there, but a little too heavy with not as much detail or pitch. Both the Aries 1 and 3 had much lower noise floors and more air and detail while still sounding lively and musical at the same time. Associated equipment used was EAR phono pre and amp, and Avantgarde Duo speakers. Not sure if I remember what the cables and interconnects were. All types of music were used in the comparison: rock, jazz, classical, pop.

We felt this was largely due to the Classic's motor assembly in relation to the plinth and the aluminum platter.

Here was the set up:

Aries 1 with JMW 10.5 tonearm and Dynavector XX2 and Zoethecus stand
Aries 3 with JMW 10.5i tonearm with Dynavector XX2 and Zoethecus stand
VPI Classic with JMW 10.5se tonearm with Dynavector XX2 and Zoethecus stand

The same dyna xx-2 was used in all set ups and was calibrated with a VPI jig in the Aries 1 and a Mint tractor specific for JMW 10.5i and 10.5se in the Aries 3 and Classic. Same downstream system for all three set ups. VTA and VTF determined by same process in all three tables.

We felt we were very accurate in comparing 'apples to apples' about as much as we could. We even tried the paper and rubber mat the aluminum platter comes with in the Classic on and off and liked the Classic without any mat on the platter best. But in our set up and comparison, the Classic fell behind the other two tables by a not insignificant margin.

Oh yeah, and we used an SDS in all three set ups too. Unanimous that the SDS helped all three tables.

Please don't misunderstand my post. I think the Classic is a great table, fantastic for the money. Absolutely fantastic. It just didn't sound as refined as the other tables we compared it too. This was also the second generation Classic table after the mods Harry made since version one (changes to tonearm and platter).

I certainly agree, though, that so many things are system and room dependent. We could have the same three tables on a different system or different room with the same system and come up with different results. Everything in high end audio must be taken into context and looked at objectively.