Why would you want to get rid of your Classic....it is quite wonderful. I would get a 3D arm with 2nd pivot ....hard to get a better system than that. As for the cartridges.....Dyna 1S and Benz LPS are really tops in their performance. The Benz might have a bit more mellow perspective....but not at all dull. They both have great soundstage, and all the wonderful stuff to enjoy.
VPI classic to ClearAudio maximum solution
I seek guidance regarding the upgrade path for my analogue setup. Presently I have VPI Classic I (with SDS)/ JMW 10.5i / Dynavector xv-1s output to Coincident phono stage to Coincident Line stage.
My present setup lacks on-the-fly VTA adjustability and I have decided to upgrade total setup. VPI offers a cost prohibitive VTA tower upgrade and most VPI experts (..dealers ) recommended not to go that route and upgrade total setup instead. I am tempted to do so.
My present setup is sonically fine (...or so I believe as I don't have any reference to compare to). This is my first analogue setup which I have had for almost 6 years and I don't have any local means to compare to what is out there. Moreover Simple A/B is not practical and is inconclusive as there are just too many variables (phono/table/arm/cartridge/speakers/room/listening preference...) in an analogue system. My personal listening preference is to have a linear, dynamic, faster sounding, tonally correct (& not thin sounding) and musically engaging setup.
I have an opportunity to purchase Clearaudio Maximum solution with Phantom II arm and Benz Micro Gullwing. I can imagine this is apples and oranges comparison given very different retail prices for these two setups.
Financials aside, my question is… If I change to clearaudio setup what sonic differences I should expect compared to VPI Classic? Also, with clearaudio setup, between dynavector xv-1s vs benz micro, which should be more compatible /cartridge of choice or how these differ sonically in general ? I am not sure if there is a general house sound to VPI vs Clearaudio and Dyanvector vs Benz.
Obviously, I am not looking for a definite answer as there are million variables, but any insight regarding these two choices would be helpful. Especially some fortunate long time members have gone through "been there done that" with several options and can sprinkle their knowledge in this thread. Thanks.