VPI Classic hum

Bassraptor: I agree with Actusreus' comment about Grados, at least the Sonata. I used to own a Grado Sonata MM (5 mV), which was mounted on a restored vintage Thorens TD 160. No matter what I did, I couldn't get rid of the hum. The sonics were ok, but not as good as the Maestro.

I haven't tried a Grado out on the Classic, but maybe if I can't fix my Maestro bass resonance problem, I'll try one. However, I might "road test" the Ortofon 2 M Black, which is supposed to be one fantasic MM cartridge.

I was told a separate ground wire is required for Grado cartridges not to hum, I've used a wood-bodied Grado with an Amari TT mounted with Rega RB250 arm, but with separate ground wire (unlike Rega TTs), and no hum heard.

My Classic has a steel arm-tube, btw ...

Damn, it shouldn't be so difficult to get it all right with the Classic. My previous Clearaudio Performance was much more well-behaved! Yet, there's something about Mary, er, I mean, the Classic ...

Bassraptor, which Classic model do you have? The Classic 1 and Classic 2 come standard with the JMW 10.5i SE arm, which per the VPI website is "made from aluminum and stainless steel, critically damped in the armtube to keep the arm and wires from vibrating." The VPI website says the Classic 3 "arm [has] a new stainless steel arm-tube, bearing assembly, base mounting, and Nordost Valhalla wiring from cartridge to RCA (or XLR) output jacks."

As I mentioned above, Mike is suggesting that I try an arm tube made of stainless steel. Perhaps it's the same arm tube you have??

In any case, I would appreciate knowing which model Classic you have and whether you have identified any compatibility issues with the Classic/Maestro combo. Thanks for your help.

the hum comes from the motor, and an unsheilded cartridge. No armtube, cables, or anything else is going to make a difference. With the motor in the plinth, you need a different type cartridge, well shielded.

Not a fault, just a design quirk, that means you need to use a certain type cartridge to get the absolute best sound from the deck.

Bifwynne - I have a Classic 1, it's about a year old; upgrading the armtube to steel was an option I paid extra for. There's no compatibility issue with the Maestro that I can make out so far, but that hum is still there! As Macdadtexas said, it's the design quirk ... odd that I initially never noticed it a year ago ... getting a Soundsmith is going to be another expensive trial.

Need to reassess things the next few months ...