VPI Aries with non-VPI arm

Bruce,
Thanks for the input.
The 3D arm differs from the JMW 9T in a few ways:
The 3D's counterweight relies on the friction fit of rubber "O" rings to keep it in place. It doesn't have the set screw of the old arm. Minor adjustments are very difficult. Moving the counterweight back to front can cause it to rotate around the axis of the arm. You essentially need to set the azimuth & tracking force at the same time.
The good news: the Soundsmith gizmo comes standard on the 3D.

I'm using the Kleos as well. In my system, the cartridge is revealing without being clinical.

The fiddly nature of the uni-pivot arm was OK with me at the $2.5K price point of the Scout/9T combo. At about $10K for the Aries/3D rig, I'm not so pleased.

Tdaudio,
Thanks for the info.
I think I'm jumping the VPI ship. I'm going to trade the whole rig: the new Aries/3D combo with SS Clamp, Outer-ring, and SDS drive.
I'll be shopping the audio shows soon.
Considering a TW Raven One with a Tri-Planar arm.

It's a shame that VPI doesn't make an armless table anymore. You should check out the Sota line,they still do.

Maxh,
The Soundsmith Counter-intuitive comes standard on 3D arms (Aries)? Both 10.5" & 12" arms? I assume your $10K rig is with the 12" 3D. I am considering moving from my Rega P9/Lyra Delos to a VPI Aries 3D (10.5") with a Ortofon Cadenza Black cartridge.

Maxh,
Give a call to Seth Frank at SoudStageDirect.com. His TT guru, Jay, is very good at what he does and he may be able to help you. Plus Seth is very knowledgeable about the VPI line and offerings. He may even have a used gimbeled arm at his showroom he woudl sell.