Advice on Phono Cables for VPI TT?

spotdoc,

system is all-tubed, so maybe that's why? I find silver cables, as a general rule, to sound better in tube systems than copper or silver-plated copper wire. There are always exceptions of course, but this has been my experience. The myth that silver is bright-sounding is just that; a myth. Good silver cables in fact are smoother and less grainy than copper! The one thing copper does seem to have on silver though, again as a general rule, is better deep bass slam.

Anyway, with VPI/JMW my experience is what it is--use silver cables. Harry (and Listener mag) are right about one thing though--you absolutely must hear a genuine NOS Denon 103D cartridge in the JMW arm. Wowee!! I wish I had a backup :-(

Spotdoc, I also heard from VPI to use the copper version of the Kimber TAK if I decided to go that route. What are you going to try out when you get your table?

The rest of my system is BAT VK-30 pre and VK-200 amp on Aerial 10Ts. I'm having good results with Audio Magic Spellcaster II ICs, but this cable didn't seem to be as good as the FMS with the Aries/JMW. The FMS is borrowed and it has to be returned when I get something to replace it.

But...I'm interested in trying the soon to be available (if not already shipping) VPI cable, but even though it's so new I hoped that someone out there could comment. Decisions decisions.

As with Findoc, my system is all Tube: BAT VKP5, BAT VK50SE, BAT75SE. I did make a close comparison and had the Kimber Copper/Silver 1020s in the system for several months and MUCH preferred the 1030s. The improvement was immediately apparent from near the turntable and even more so from the listening position. It sounded less "muddled".

I too, am all tube: SF Line 1, Anthem Pre1P, Audiovalve Challengers (into Kharma Ceramique 2.1) Since I have access to a new set of XLO Signatures, that's what I'll be trying first, although I suppose I will try something in silver as well. BTW, I'm putting a Clearaudio Victory Gold on the JMW. Anyone have any experience with this combo?

I think I'm going to buy the VPI cable, which they say is made with the same wire as the JMW arm. For me this seems to make sense, continuing the sonics of the JMW arm right down to the preamp. I'll give it a whirl and let the gang here know how it compares to the FMS and the Audio Magic. meanwhile, if anyone has beaten me to the VPI wire, let us all know what you found! Thanks.

P.S. I am absolutely thrilled with the Aries/JMW with the Grado Reference Platinum. I might try the low output 1.5mv Grado Master or Reference sometime in the future. I heard that JG is coming out with a new "Statement Series" - wonder what that'll bring.