My opinion as the owner of an early VPI Aries table....
TNTs with an oil bath bearing are really excellent tables (early TNTs, especially with the stainless / lead / acrylic platter). I think they are superior to some of the later VPI offerings. Haven't heard them head-to-head with the top Classic models, but I always thought the TNT retrieved better soundstage and imaging. Likewise the Aries Extended.
The Graham 1.5 is a quite good arm and well-mated to TNTs. One tweak that should be considered regardless of VPI model is to place the table on three Stillpoint cones. Big difference for me.
Again, my opinion. YMMV.
TNTs with an oil bath bearing are really excellent tables (early TNTs, especially with the stainless / lead / acrylic platter). I think they are superior to some of the later VPI offerings. Haven't heard them head-to-head with the top Classic models, but I always thought the TNT retrieved better soundstage and imaging. Likewise the Aries Extended.
The Graham 1.5 is a quite good arm and well-mated to TNTs. One tweak that should be considered regardless of VPI model is to place the table on three Stillpoint cones. Big difference for me.
Again, my opinion. YMMV.