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

Not sure if this was mentioned in this thread (I don't think so)that the lastest version of the VPI Classic is now being made with solid Walnut Sides, rather than Laminated Walnut.

The newest version has more rounded edges, that it looks more akin to the older HW-19 Table.

About the only other thing I have noted from other Classic owners, is the claim that the Aluminum Platter seems to scratch easily, and this gives me the impression that this Platter was never Hard Anodized. My opinion is, that they should be, to lessen scratching, as well as oxidation. My assumptions could be wrong as far as this goes? Mark

I recently read an article (or part of an article....March 2010 Stereophile "As We See It" by Steve Guttenburg p.3)in regards to the Classic. I don't have the article in front of me and its been a few weeks since I have read so forgive me if its not 100% accurtate..but you'll get the picture. The Classic has already been revised. The arm has been lengthened by 6mm, the motor is mounted with a different plate, the platter although visually the same is made by a different process and the bottome is covered with a damping materieal. Now it seems that the plinth has been changed as well....after reading the last few posts of this article. If anyone can confirm or comment about these changes please do so.
Thanks, John

can vpi classic owners tell me if its normal for the table to make a popping noise when turning the table off? i just demoed the classic and thought it sounded wonderful, but the noise when turning the table off was annoying.
thanks

I've not had that or any other problem with my Classic. I love the table! Popping is not normal and that table should be replaced.

I do get a very slight pop too with turning table off. I do not think it warrants replacing the table, nor do I think VPI would/should. Such pops vary with each household and how your wiring is done and also varies with your choice of amp and preamp. I get a much bigger (and frankly, a somewhat worrisome) pop each time I turn on my VPI 16.5 RCM. If one is really worried about such things, you can simply mute your volume with your preamp.

So while I am typing away, I will say that I absolutely love my VPI Classic. The sound I am getting is amazing. Better than CD when the vinyl is good. I love the match of the Classic and the Benz Glider LO and the Simaudio LP5.3. If anyone wants a sure way to get great sound with vinyl, these three are a can't-miss combination IMHO. I played the re-issue of Miles' Walkin' last night and the night before. There is a depth to the sound of the trumpet that I had never heard before except in live venues. Rock really rocks-an old B52s album from my college days (the first one, starting with Planet Claire and ending on side A with Rock Lobster) sounds amazingly dynamic with real jump.
If I search hard for a nit to pick, it would be the isolation feet. I find them a bit finicky and wobbly (apparently they are wobbly by design-just like the arm) and the little bearings on the undersurface of each footer don't particularly rotate smoothly on a wood shelf. So leveling is often a painful process of pushing up on the corner of this heavy table if rotating the footer clockwise. Luckily, one need not level the table very often.