I changed the VPI 9 Sig to the 10.5. on a Supersoutmaster with heavy platter using a Benz Ebony LP. There is an audible improvement, but it is very incremental. The big difference is that the 10.5 allows very precise repeatable VTA adjustment. If you change VTA often, then the 10.5 is the arm to get...if you set the arm so that it performs optimally with all your LP's, it may not be so cost effective. I find the 9 Sig to be a top notch arm and certainly good enough for me. I might bring your attention to http://www.high-endaudio.com/RC-Tonearm.html