VPI TNT Mk 3 – Looking for a tonearm and cartridge

After a long hiatus I have been getting back into vinyl and have been reading like a madman. I’d like to get a new tonearm and cartridge but before I start cutting checks I’d like to tap into the immense reserve of analog knowledge here. Amazing what you can learn here!

Here is a link to my system so you have a better idea of what I’m working with.

https://systems.audiogon.com/systems/7076

Turntable:

VPI TNT MK 3 – solid acrylic plinth with arm board, stainless steel towers with internal springs - elephant feet, Hurst 600RPM motor, tri-pulley with capstan pulleys at 1:00 and 5:00 used and VPI rubber belt.

Mk 5 platter which has a Rulon main bushing. A combination of 50% Delrin and 50% non-magnetic stainless steel and weighs in at 21lbs.

Mk5 Bearing and Spindle - The limited release bearing. Unlike the rest of the TNT bearings, the Mk5 bearing is made out of non-magnetic stainless steel (not aluminum) and is attached to the plinth via a large stainless steel threaded donut.

Tonearm:

Modified Rega RB300, re-wired with one piece Incognito Cardas copper rewire kit, VPI VTA adjuster for Rega tonearm, TWL lead weights glued onto gimbal bolts, it looks crazy but it made a massive difference in sound quality. Expressimo Audio – The Heavy Weight on the end stub.

Cartridge:

Benz Micro Lo.4, VTF at 1.9grams. Output - .44mV

Turntable Table:

Solid maple table with spikes into wool carpeting, floor. Takes two people to move this thing.

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That’s a pretty good description of the turntable. Here’s what I’ve thought about doing to address some of the weaknesses.

To Do:

Remove tri-pulley system and drive platter directly from the motor.

Motor controller – maybe SDS, wish I could buy the Phoenix Eagle/RoadRunner.  Might do a motor and controller that’s available on a DIY website that’s supposed to be pretty good.

Table suspension:  I’m not into the air suspension camp – so not feeling that….

I really like the VPI Avenger Reference feet, maybe possible to retrofit them into the corner pods. I think that would be a beautiful option.

Maybe StillPoints but these are serious money - http://www.stillpoints.us/index.php/product

Maybe brass Bearpaws - http://edensoundaudio.com/shop/category/bearpaw-brass-footers

I guess I’m up in the air on table suspension, I can’t say I’ve had trouble with the springs…they seem to do their job and I don’t hear/notice a problem….but I might hear a change for the better if I did one….

I have really enjoyed the Benz Micro Lo.4 – it has a wonderful sound but I’ve also never had another top flight (to me) cartridge mounted on the Rega so what do I know. I’m leaning towards a Benz Micro LP-S. By all who have owned or listened to it they describe it as 1st rate. It does weigh 16.4 grams, .33mV output – but with the SUT I have going into my CAT SL1 Signature MK 3 preamp I’m thinking I should be OK.

So….I have a conundrum. To change the Rega arm I need to get another arm board which VPI doesn’t make anymore. I’ve been told to find an acrylic shop or even make one out of wood but I have no technical drawings and no idea where to go other than hell.

I live in Minneapolis, MN – home of allot of high tech stuff but no names or contacts. No relationships with dealers either although that’s easily remedied.

If I did get an arm board made I still need a hole drilled in the exact location for the particular arm that ends of being the chosen one.  And just to confuse the situation I don’t think I can use my current arm board – even for a Rega mount drop in because I have the VPI VTA adjuster installed which may or may not be a problem with the new arm. I do know the hole is bigger than a normal Rega tonearm but I don’t have its size without taking it apart to measure.

I suppose I could just get the Benz Micro LP-S and mount it on my modified Rega and call it a day but well, you know….what’s the fun in that?!

Plus, it might not be a good synergistic match between the two and we all know how important that is!

Of course one of the most important considerations is how big a stack of Benjamin’s to play with?

Here’s my philosophy on that – I really love buying fabulous used that has a great track record. Sometimes you can’t – I bought my Berning amp new because that was the only way to get one. But most things you can. In this case I’ll be buying the cartridge new. Maybe even the tonearm but maybe not. So here’s my budget which is fairly flexible.

Cartridge: $5K

Motor/controller: $1K

Suspension if done: $1K-$3K (this may not be done – I’m still undecided)

Tonearm: I’d really like to stay below $10K but I’d like to have some room for ideas here.

I have a few thoughts but not wedded to them – but from reading and my electrical background here are my ideas:

I’d like it to have a continuous run of wire from RCA connectors to head shell pins.

I do like the idea of being able to change head shells or tonearms for different cartridges but if I do go the route of Benz Micro LP-S cartridge I’m probably going to be more than happy to stick with that. But, it is nice to have the choice to change if so desired.

Unipivot or gimbal camp – no air bearing arms. I actually would have gotten the Trans-Fi Terminator but he closed up shop. Sigh…

Probably not wood tonearm.

I think I’d really love a Basis Audio - Superarm nine tonearm (duh) but it’s almost $16K and well, that is allot of money for a tonearm)

Sorry for the long post but I thought I’d include enough context and background info to help you with your ideas….

Thanks for any help/direction you can provide!

Regards,

Brian