TT suggestion in the $7 - 10K range?

Stringreen, all is good. I settled on the Sound Smith VPI Zephyr, which I understand was designed with the VPI Classic in mind -- or so I heard. The DV 20X worked ok too, but the Zephyr is better. I suspect that low compliance/heavy carties work best with the 10.5i arm. My first try was the CA Maestro Wood -- damn think rang in the lower registers. Drove Mike and me crazy, but could not resolve it. Even tried adding a 3 gram head weight and stepped up to the Classic 3 arm wand. I bet another 3 grams might have turned the trick. Anyway, that's all behind me now. Glad to hear that there are choices like the Benz LPS. If I ever get ready to switch out, I'll e mail you for some specific carty suggestions.

I agree with Ebm - ANY of the TW Raven turntables are superb with WORLD CLASS SERVICE!! Of course that presumes that you love MUSIC and not bragging rights and/or the need to constantly "tweak".

This info may be of some value to others, I once had a short discussion with Harry Weisfield earlier in 2011.

The discussion was pertaining to the VPI Classic Turntable, and as Harry stated, the Classis can possibly be ordered, and drilled for a Tonearm other than the JMW Arm.

That for whatever personal reasons, there are possible other candidates for a choice of Tonearm on the Classic.

I know no more than this, and such would of course need to be discussed with the VPI Factory. I would then assume that other similar sized Arms of choice could be implemented. Mark