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VPI Classic 3 Upgrades or Move On to Something New

I'm the 2nd owner of a VPI Classic 3, bought here on Audiogon in 2014.  Cartridge is Soundsmith VPI Zephyr.  Considering giving it some new life with a JMW 10-3D Unipivot Tonearm, Signature Feet, and ADS Speed Controller.  Total upgrade cost - $3,950.  

Or...should I go in a new direction and give another turntable a try?  I have no complaints about my current setup, but don't have a frame of reference for what I might be missing out on. 

Budget for a new turntable/cartridge combo is anywhere from $5,000-$10,000. Thoughts? 
jjgasp
slaw's avatar
slaw
22,912 posts
 
Additionally, I have developed a substantial upgrade for VPI owners that currently use their dual pivot 

PM me. I provide a PEEK film, very thin that is peel & stick,.
jjss49's avatar
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
@bifwynne

read my post below... it is the very first one replying to the op

one of things i dislike about vpi is how it ensnares you into their upgrade spin cycle...

i am happier with my well tempered now... one and done...
big_greg
6,716 posts
 
I have tried slaw's PEEK tweak for the dual pivot and like it.  Helps protect the pivot plate (which is all I expected it to do) and I also noticed things were a little more "airy" and the backgrounds were "blacker" (which were completely unexpected).
bifwynne
2,206 posts
 
@jjss49 

I read your early post.  So,... it seems you enjoyed some SQ improvement from the 3D arm.  That might be something for me to consider.  I presently do not intend to drop major bucks on a whole new TT rig.

I just upgraded my phone pre to the ARC Ref Phono 3SE.  I expect delivery next week.  I also swapped out the RCA/SE I/Cs that connected the old phono pre to my linestage for XLR/BAL I/Cs.  Together, both changes might make for an interesting SQ improvement.

I'll report back.

Other than Alan (bigby), any other reactions to the SDS controller??

Thanks           
bigby
162 posts
 
Hi,

The SDS does ensure the platter is spinning precisely at 33 1/3 RPM. It does this by allowing you to vary the frequency (hz) of the electricity coming into the motor.  Mine takes about 59 hz. to spin at 33 1/3.  Once set, the SDS regulates the electricity coming into the motor so the speed does not vary. I use the strobe to occasionally check the speed and make slight adjustments.

 I think the important point is the electricity coming into the motor dictates the speed of the motor.  Since each motor is a little different in construction and the electricity coming into our houses is not perfectly regulated, the SDS allows you to set the correct speed using a strobe and then adjust the frequency of the electricity so the motor spins precisely and consistently at 33 1/3.

I haven't done any other upgrades.  My Classic 3 has the original metal arm, the record clamp and outer ring.  Most of my listening is Tidal streaming with a PS Audio Directstrem DAC and CDs using a Marantz CD player.

I saw a used VPI SDS on US Audio Mart for $800. 

Sounds like you have a nice set up with all ARC gear!

Thanks,

Alan
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