VPI Flywheel with Aries Turntable - Help

Definitely give VPI a call. Their customer support is excellent. In the interim, I would suggest that you check to make sure that the mounting surface is level. If it's off you will get noise transmitted from the belt/pulley interface. After doing that, allow things to break in. Leave your table on overnight to see if that helps things. If that doesn't help, then I'd guess that your flywheel might have gotten damaged in shipment.

Please post your resolution to the list. I have been considering the addition of a flywheel to my Aries.

Ken

I have an extended Aries with the bearing upgrade.Not sure if it's the extended nature or the bearing being top of the line or what but a tech who has always pointed me right in the past said that you shouldn't used the flywheel with MY table.I'd call and ask to speak with the head tech and ask what the deal is.If you just have to spend money with them (which is great beacuse they do back their stuff up and are a great company to deal with) get the SDS controller.That's my next move.

I agree with all comments above.....it is probably not an electrical but a set up prblem. Gve VPI a call....

Just a brief followup since the conversation has drifted to order of upgrades and/or which is the most cost effective. I bought my TNT used and it came with the flywheel. It does offer (on the TNT) some sonic benefits but it would have been last on my list to do, if at all. IMHO, the first upgrade and most cost effective for either the TNT or Aries would be the TNT mark 5 platter and bearing (should prob. get the stainless steel clamp too, if you haven't run out of money). Again, let us know how this turns out

Thanks all for your suggestions. They have been very helpful. As of now I have tried the following: grounding the flywheel to the AC outlet ground screw (no change); grounding the tonearm to my phono preamp (c-j premier 15) (no change); install new belts with talc (no change), ensure turntable rack is level (no change); removal of the flywheel (BIG CHANGE FOR THE BETTER). Based on my experience, and at least two of the suggestons submitted, the Aries seems to perform (to my ears) better without the flywheel installed. After first purchasing this table I added the stainless steel clamp (improvement). I then added the SDS. This resulted in a DRAMATIC IMPROVEMENT in the sound. I mean an order of magnitude improvement. I was amazed at how much better this table sounds with the SDS installed. I would recommend the SDS without reservation. I can't say that I have gained anything by adding the flywheel. Thoughts???