VPI Classic vs Clear Audio Wood
I find VPI tables to be somewhat lacking in sparkle so I'd get the ClearAudio Concept Wood. Not sure I necessarily agree. While I've only heard the Concept Wood at shows, I do own the Classic 3 (with a Zephyr Mk.II) and an Avenger. In neither case do I find either lacks sparkle. IMO the result will have much more to do with the cart being used and the phono stage. That price on the Concept is pretty good, though. If you can't find a Classic 2 at a competitive price it might be a nice choice. |
You are aware EVERY suggestion/opinion is subjective and biased? I’ve used a Classic for many years. Cart selection and the best phono stage you can afford will ensure there is no "lack of sparkle" as mentioned in an earlier post. If you don’t mind used, I would offer $2K for this listing. Put a $1K LOMC on it, and you will have a setup that will show you what the fuss is all about. https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis9aae0-vpi-classic-2-turntables I don’t know anything about your existing phonostage, but any table setup needs to be shown in its best light through a capable unit. |
Hi MP I owned a Classic 1 with Zephyr Mk 1. I would describe the sound as very clean, quite dynamic, with good pitch. I would not describe it as big on tone color. Quite a different set of sonic priorities than the Leben — not that one is “wrong” and the other is “right”, just that I think they would be odd stable mates. In that price range, I’d take a look at WTL or the Nottingham-type tables, if one wanted a companion for the Leben. I haven’t heard enough of the Clearaudios to offer an opinion in this case. Happy hunting, Ping |
