vpi tnt still a performer?

My opinion as the owner of an early VPI Aries table....

TNTs with an oil bath bearing are really excellent tables (early TNTs, especially with the stainless / lead / acrylic platter).  I think they are superior to some of the later VPI offerings.  Haven't heard them head-to-head with the top Classic models, but I always thought the TNT retrieved better soundstage and imaging.  Likewise the Aries Extended.  

The Graham 1.5 is a quite good arm and well-mated to TNTs.  One tweak that should be considered regardless of VPI model is to place the table on three Stillpoint cones.  Big difference for me.

Again, my opinion.  YMMV.

@tzh21y   I certainly like mine.

@melm I have a "modified" TNT with a solid black lead-filled acrylic platter.  Quite good.  The Aries platter I have has a thin (maybe 1/4") layer of black acrylic on top of a metal (I though stainless or aluminum) platter.  Heavy.  Grooved.  Rests on an oil bath bearing.  It is an original Aries Extended table.

Thanks for the clarification.

My opinion....  

I have heard the solid acrylic platters and the solid aluminum platters.  I prefer the Aries platter followed by the lead filled acrylic platter.  

@melm I thought the original Aries shared the same platter as the current model of TNT at the time the Aries was produced.  But I could be wrong.  

@melm I do specifically state I have heard the acrylic-lead platter.  I have it on a "modified TNT" and indicate "quite good" as my opinion on performance.  It is also my opinion that the modded TNT with the lead-filled acrylic platter is not quite as good as the Aries Extended.  But there may be other factors impacting performance.  It's my choice to use the Aries as my primary table.  Just my opinion and personal experience.

That said, you have piqued my interest in exploring the performance potential of the lead-filled acrylic platter.  I was considering some additional mods to the TNT.  Now I think I will start working on that (may actually be another redesign of the plinth) a little more aggressively.  

I have heard direct comparisons between the Classic tables and the Aries Extended.  Also heard the thick acrylic platter.  I'll stick with what I have as well.