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Maximizing VPI Prime Performance

My good table is a Sota Cosmos VI with SME V and Transfiguration Proteus cartridge. I happen to have a VPI Prime with HW 40 arm on it for my casual listening table. Currently a ZYX 4D is installed. 

The question is what can be done to the Prime to up its game? I have ordered a Waynes Audio periphery clamp as an experiment to see if I can get close to the vacuum system the Sota has. Honestly looks like a bit of a pain in the butt to use. 

I am considering the Symposium Audio Segue Iso shelf, and the inserts for the Prime feet. 

Are there any other upgrades folks have found beneficial for the table? In a way this one will get more use in terms of hours over the Sota, so getting it to be the best it can would be beneficial. 

Cheers
Mister Pig
neonknight
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edwyun
244 posts
 
IME, in no particular order:

1.  The VPI Periphery Ring (which is a lot heavier than the others out there) and HRX center weight.  Noticed darker backgrounds when listening to quiet passages at high overall gain.  Also provides more platter mass for rotational stability and flattens both concave and convex LPs so that the cart doesn't need to use its suspension as much.

2.  Phoenix Roadrunner and Eagle.  Self correcting stability is a wonderful thing.

3.  HW40 feet.  Better definition throughout, especially the bass (not that the VPI is lacking in any way).

4.  Any type of isolation for your situation - wall mount, maple blocks, leadshot filled reservoir, etc.
neonknight OP
397 posts
 
Chose to return the periphary ring. Unable to position it without off set, which of course puts unwanted force on the sides of the bearing. Back to step one.

Cheers 
Mister Pig
melm
1,084 posts
 
@neonknight If you use the centering disk it should go on perfectly. There should be no "offset." I do it every day with my TTW ring. Did you watch Wayne’s video?

@edwyun Phoenix Roadrunner and Eagle is unobtanium. No longer made. Those who have them are not selling. Only way to get similar performance is the buy the motor combo from Sota.


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edwyun
244 posts
 
@MisterPigNo such issues with the VPI ring...
https://youtu.be/g6gIATp595Y
billstevenson
409 posts
 

Here is a list of the mods I have made to my Prime:
  • Eagle & Roadrunner - Very worthwhile if you can find them
  • 2nd arm - it’s a mono/stereo thing
  • Dual pivot mod for both arms
  • 3 belts - audible difference
  • CounterIntuitive - facilitates setup
  • Stillpoints LP1 - best of several tried
  • VPI Periphery Ring - worth the aggravation on warped records, but for someone with a vacuum table, forget about it
  • Deer skin platter mat - fuzzy side up, sounds better
  • Litz silver wire - brighter, shimmery sound

I have owned the prime for 3 years and with all those changes am still not totally happy with it. I prefer my SL1200GAE that sits right beside it. HW40 currently on order to replace it.
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