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

I have been quite happy with mine for the last several months, using Dyna XV-1s, ASR Mini Basis, Ortofon SUP and optional ring clamp. My biggest complaint I think is that in my system (ASR Basis Exclusive II, Usher BE20, Synergistic Research Tesla IC/speakers and quite a few PCs), the bass was deep, powerful but a bit only mellow/polite side. It is great on jazz,vocal but less fun on pop and large scale orchestral work. I don't think it was my system as my old turntable (Blue Note Piccolo) certainly was more fun, more pace although it could not match the VPI in most other aspect. Luckily, my dealer just replaced my VPI wire with Valhalla wire it it made a significant difference. Now the turntable has much better speed and rhythmic control and pace. Although Valhalla wire sounded a tad leaner right now on vocal but with better clarity. Let see if that will improve after breaking in a bit more.
I definitely think Valhalla wire is well worth the money. My dealer ordered Valhalla wire for JWM 12.5 for me so there is a little extra wire left to rewire the box as well.

Cmalak, I have not tried SDS yet. I am using a 220v model so I will also need to change the motor to 110v to use SDS. This is something that I will eventually need to try. I am still waiting for my ASR Basis 2010 phono to arrive first before doing more upgrade.

I asked similar question several months ago but could not remember where. If I remember correctly, with the optional steel wand (standard now, I think) effective mass is something like 12.3g.

I think the arm mass on 10.5i is rather confusing since there are 2 versions of the arm. There used to be a lighter version then there is a steel arm wand version which is slightly heavier. I think the heavier arm is now the standard arm but the earlier units, steel arm is an option. So I am not sure if 12.3 g is the heavier arm or 11.6g is the heavier arm? I am waiting for the VTA on the fly kit as my local dealer can retrofit it easily enough. I assume that VTA tower should not really affect the effective weight.