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VPI Fatboys versus others in its' tonearm weight class.

In their never ending quest to push fiscally responsible audiophiles into bankruptcy, site members have succeeded in making me consider a new gimbaled tonearm to keep a Lyra Kleos company on a VPI Classic 2 turntable. Dover, on my previous thread, pointed out most other tonearm options would be limited on the Classic 2 short of major surgery to it. So here I am considering keeping the tonearm upgrade in the VPI family. Their gimbaled Fatboy, will readily fit onto the VPI Classic 2’s tonearm base without any fuss.

Here’s my question after reading up on the Fatboy. How does the Fatboy compare with other tonearms in it’s $4500 price range? Is it about average in that class, which would be acceptable, or is it much better or worse than its’ peers?. If you.ve had any chance to compare the Fatboy with other tonearms in the same price range, what is your impression? I don’t want to spend that much money on one if the consensus is that it’s at the bottom of its class, which hopefully it isn’t.

I haven’t had an opportunity to listen to one, or any other tonearm as expensive. I would likely need to arrange a two day road trip to accomplish that. In lieu, I’m soliciting your impressions as to whether the Fatboy is worth that much compared to others in it’s price range. I guessing it will be okay, but don’t want to spend $4500 if the consensus is it’s at the bottom of its’ class just because it fits easily on my turntable. So what do you think? I’m all ears.

I’m not looking here for alternative solutions to a Fatboy. That was the topic of my recent thread, I’m only soliciting your impressions of the Fatboy compared to other similarly priced tonearms, and why I should or shouldn’t take a chance on it. Thanks all,

Mike

skyscraper

Showing 6 responses by tablejockey

tablejockey
3,793 posts
 

"dealer selling me the Fatboy will be doing the installation and setup once the new Lyra Kleos arrives, so I’m in luck there."

skyscraper-

You may want to make note of what alignment method  dealer is using, along with brand protractor for reference. You can then do a future setup yourself.

I'm a little envious- would love to put a Lyra/Fatboy on my Classic. 

tablejockey
3,793 posts
 

"what cartridge and arm do you have on your Classic?"

skyscraper -

presently using a  $2 Kiseki Blue. Prior to that used  the popular Audio Technica ART9.

In the grand scheme of things/context of my overall system, The KB is a good performer but I hear the ART9 as a better value. I don't hear a 2X the cost "better sound" This is naturally  subjective and system dependent. Fortunately, the KB was purchased at a significantly le$$ cost.

Perhaps a gimbal arm upgrade would bring out more from the KB. It's a reminder our hobby is just a matter of opening the wallet wider.

Looks like your dealer is doing a very detailed setup. I will be looking forward to you impressions.  

 

tablejockey
3,793 posts
 

skyscraper,

Agon is a great place to gain knowledge. Unfortunately, it does nothing to temper audio nervosa and wallet atrophy.

Your upgrade will more than a "settling" experience. 

tablejockey
3,793 posts
 

skyscraper,

Based on the recent threads/posts, you may be under the spell of uncurbable audio neurosis.

The Kleos will be a substantial sonic upgrade on the stock arm. Since you won't have another identical table next to it to compare with a "better" arm, you simply won't know just what the upgrade is really worth. The Kleos potential wont be fully realized until one has at least  $10-15K table/arm setup WITH an equally competent phonostage.

Your existing setup will however, present an enjoyable listening experience.

You could always sell your table and get this. Keep the Classic look, get accurate speed(The Classic series without speed control just aren't accurate) and the gimbal arm. Not a bad price for what's offered. With negotiation, someone could get a nice setup for a reasonable price.

 

tablejockey
3,793 posts
 

We are gonna be on  this planet  only once(depending on you beliefs.)

You deserve getting what you want. Enjoy the beautiful music once it's setup.

Looks like a very simple installation.  Get a decent jig if you don't already have one.

There are plenty of what's "best" threads for more confusion on that.

tablejockey
3,793 posts
 

VPI ownership is enjoyable ONCE the setup is optimized.

Unipivot or gimbal, they're not examples of SOTA engineering.

With proper supporting equipment-cartridge/phonostage AND a clean LP, most ears will hear what it's designed to do-play a record at a respectable level compared to an uber $etup.

The best upgrade for a VPI owner is opening the wallet a little wider for a different brand.

Happy VPI Classic owner (11 years)

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