VPI to What

VPI is OK but getting a bit stale IMO. Kuzma would be a good alternative.

A Kuzma Stogi Ref on a VPI HW-19 makes for a real nice turntable. Even better if you replace the stock platter with the one included on the TNT-5, a 1.5" thick slab of stainless steel and Delrin weighing about 15lbs. You can also replace the base-mounted motor with the VPI SAMA---stand alone motor.

Every time I think about replacing my Aries, I listen to the beautiful music it makes and change my mind. Also important to me is that it is one of the best looking tables VPI (or most others for that matter) ever produced.

Recently I sold my VPI Classic 3 Signature (JMW 3D Arm) and purchased a new/open box Rega P10. Two totally different tables.  As good as the VPI sounded, the P10 is better to my ears. I really like the Rega RB3000 tonearm. I also purchased the Acoustic Signature shims. Rig for VTA adjustment to allow for any of my cartridges to work with it. The Apheta 3 which came installed on the P10 was surprisingly better than I had expected, but I have since installed my Transfiguration Proteus D. That combo is really something special. I guess my one knock on the VPI is that I do not really like the fiddley unipivot arm it had. To each their own.

Some might be converting from BD to DD, the wave of the present.

VPI tables, over time, have been a proven commodity for many, many audiophiles who love them with a passion.  However, there are many, many other outstanding options out there other than VPI tables to choose from as well.  Just pick the table you like best and enjoy the music.      

@ozzy62: I too have an Aries (the original version, bone stock) in addition to a highly modified HW-19. They’re both available (no, not mine 😉) at very modest cost. And I agree, the Aries is indeed sexy looking.

My other table is a Townshend Audio Elite Rock, which I will NEVER sell. In contrast, it's looks are, um, "purposeful". 😉

It is possible that VPI table that are for sale are being replaced by better VPI models.  

I sold my classic 3 and am using my very old micro seiki bl-91. The uni pivot arm used to bug me but it did sound great. To my ears, the micro sounds better and it is a gorgeous table made out of rosewood. Those old micros are great. 

I too am parting with my VPI after 11 years. It’s been a good table but time to move up. I’ve decided on the Pure Fidelity Harmony. It’s built exceptionally well and has a variety of finishes. They offer several good tone arm options and their Stratos cartridge gets good reviews. Stereophile has a good review if you want to learn more. The reports from auditions described the sound as excellent.

I have a fully tricked out Superscoutmaster/rim drive/upgraded platter/arm, etc., etc.

It is a truly wonderful table...only once was it loosing speed....I sent the SDS for a checkup and it was perfect....I cleaned the bearing with Hoppes gun cleaner and it is dead quiet and stable.   I can't think of a better table that is audibly better in any way.

My other passion are cars. If you go on bringatrailer.com there are usually several Asto Marin V8 Vantages for sale. Many have only been owned for a year or so. I asked one owner why he was selling and he replied, "The Vantage us the best exotic I've ever owned, but I have a list of cars I want to work through while I can still drive".  He is in his late 70s. So he's not necessarily trading up, he's trading for a different ownership.experience. The same with turntables. Owners are not necessarily trading for performance, they're trading for novelty. The old joke among car guys when someone points out a really fast car is, "Had one, wasn't fast enough, sold it." Same with high end hifi. 

Not me, I love mine!

I have owned my HW40 for almost two years and would not part ways with it. Since I am 75 it is probably my last TT.

I’ve owned three VPI tables over the years and they are quite competent. Perhaps the best bang for the buck was the original Scout with the unipivot arm. I know the uni isn’t for everyone but for $2k that was a nice table as long as you could isolate it properly. A used one today that is a decade old will cost you nearly that much so they have held their value nicely, unlike other tables. Like @mikempls I have also moved on to a Pure Fidelity Harmony. The Harmony is in another league altogether compared to the mid-level VPI tables like the Prime and can be outfitted with arms that are far superior to the gimble arm VPI is now sporting. The Origin Live lineup are fantastic and the new Savant arm recently released by PF is very promising—I hope to have one on display by late summer. If I can help anyone with a PF table please reach out via PM.

The only other table I'm lusting for is a Garrard 401 or Thorens TD-124 Mk.2. I had a TD-125 back in the mid-70's (with an SME 3009 mounted on it), and had nothing but trouble with it.

I would love to trade my VPI, which IMHO is an excellent table, for a J. Sikora, but the funds are not aligning right now, and may never.