VPI Classic 3 Upgrades or Move On to Something New

One of my tts is a VPI Classic 3 Sig SE.

First, the JMW arm is not a 3D arm. If your Classic 3 isn’t a Sig, you’ll need a HRX pulley for the ADS. Best sound then is with 3 belts.The VPIs, sadly have a long history of manufacturing issues, one being S2P distance being off. If other owners haven’t noticed this, I’ve tried to make them aware. The Sig feet will not be a significant upgrade over what you currently have. (A well thought out platform will serve you better for any tt you have/want). Having said that, I’m currently using Stillpoints SS Ultras. Still had to modify the motor cover plate on the underside for these feet to sit equally square. A good mat will be very beneficial. I use two MyMats. I found the dual pivot upgrade to be significant but since it was an afterthought, I’m not sure it will outperform more thoughtfully designed uni- pivot arms.

I have to say, with all of the thought into my VPI, it sounds very good now with my Sussurro MkII. It was a struggle to get there though.

The Achilles heel of the VPI Classic series is the motor noise transmitted directly to the plinth and picked up by the tonearm and cartridge, which is especially noticeable if running at 45 rpm with the HRX pulley, in which case the motor is spinning faster than when using the stepped pulley. At 33 rpm, it is only heard when putting my ear up to the speaker on a quiet or blank track. Admittedly, it’s somewhat faint, but I believe it contributes to the lack of ease which is ameliorated with a better isolated design. But the rigid mounting of motor, platter and tonearm, in combination with the heavy platter, does give very good speed stability, especially when hooked up to a motor controller or a PS Audio power regenerator. One thing that slightly lessened the motor noise on my Classic 4 was removing the rubber grommets between motor plate and plinth, then tightly screwing the plate to the platter, which better grounds the noise to the plinth. Before, the motor was freer to vibrate in place which was louder.

Never mind the table....

Is it plugged into the best phono stage you can afford? After that, up the food chain with a new SS cart. You will get endless opinion saying the VPI is this or that, but your ears tell you it's fine. 

Treat yourself to this .Submit your best offer, and see if a middle ground can be met.
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisa50ed-vpi-industries-hw-40-40th-anniversary-direct-drive-turnta...

Or this
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisa5a7g-vpi-avenger-reference-turntable-turntables

Thanks to all for your valuable feedback.  Much appreciated.

tablejockey's comment about a good phono stage is a good one

but certainly not exclusive of getting a better performing table