VPI Direct Drive Turntable

Folks, as a fellow VPI customer, I think you're being hard on HW. I read that a submarine motor is being used because the Classic DD can spin discs under water. Now ... if I can waterproof the rest of my rig, I can move the whole shebang into a hot tub and listen to music under water. Just saying ....

Kinda reminds me of an old Three Stooges short where the Stooges were trying to invent a fountain pen that would write under whipped cream.

So ... today the magic fountain pen, tomorrow the underwater stereo.

:)

I recall reading on one of the audio web blogs that Mathew Weisfeld is taking on a higher profile VPI management role and Mr. W is giving MW breathing room. Wish I could recall where I read this.

I'm glad to read Dnath's post that the Traveler concept is taking root. I also recall that MW is the motivating force behind the Traveler. Kudos to MW.

The Weisfeld family has gone through some tough times. I wish them the best. And I celebrate their innovation and success.

I've stayed out of this dog fight because I have no intention of dipping a toe into "$30,000 turntable waters" under any circumstances -- period. Nor am I interested in whether MDF/Aluminum is better or worse than steel reinforced poured concrete plinths. Could care less.

Having said that, I would like to put out there a question which focuses on the value proposition of expensive vinyl upgrades. Let's just stipulate that the $30,000 VPI DD TT sounds better (whatever that means) than the "standard" $6,000 Classic 3 TT (or my tricked out "regular" Classic TT with a Classic 3 tonearm and base upgrade).

My Q is -- Lewm do you surmise that one could achieve a better vinyl performance value investment by simply buying a better cartridge? Or perhaps, a better RCM (e.g., ultrasonic)? Heck, even better quality vinyl recordings?? Of course I assume that one already has a "very good" quality TT like the Classic 3 or a tricked out regular Classic like mine.

For example, I've been keeping an eye open for a preowned Lyra Skala (sp?, or Scala), which is the next grade up from my Kleos. I assume the Skala sounds better than the Kleos, but it also retails for $1,000 more. Is it worth the extra cash? Dunno?? Any thoughts?

I also like the idea of a plug and use ultrasonic RCM which cleans and dries the record with the push of a button. No brushes, vacumes and flipping records. Too much like work.

Thanks. Sorry for the interruption.

Thanks Matt for your thoughtful post. I wish you, your Dad, the whole family the best. Been there and seen what you and your family have gone through with cancer. It's tough on everyone.

Hatzlachah on your new management role at VPI. Ask Mike or Jack what hatzlachah means. They'll get a chuckle and ask if that was Bruce from Wynnewood. It was and is. :) I for one applaud your innovative ideas.

Matt, do you and the rest of the VPI team think I would gain much of a performance bump if I picked up a Lyra Skala?? I currently use the Kleos. My front end is ARC. Back end too.

I had a feeling that the performance delta between the Classic Direct and the Classic 3/4 was on the magnitude you mentioned. I suppose if one wants to squeeze that last drop of performance out of his/her vinyl rig, it's something to think about.

Thanks and best wishes to the VPI folks.

Bruce