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The value of embellishment?

Does adding a leather veneer to a $4K more than double  value?
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisachj2-vpi-industries-prime-in-leather-limited-edition-turntable...

Couldn't resist asking the question. The claimed sonic improvements:
"The effect of the leather skin and hardened stainless steel is a sonic upgrade over a stock Prime, in terms of detail, bass extension, air, and resolution." Interesting. I thought it was arm/cart for the most part.  I hear all those descriptors with my VPI. You get more.....uh, okay.

I have leather faced speakers-it  works for the aesthetic. On the VPI- subjective like everything, but on a turntable plinth?
The footers look corny. This stuff is subjective of course, but it sure looks...

Not bashing VPI-I use one, and enjoy it for what it is.   I'd love to own a HW40. No leather though, thanks.
tablejockey
wspohn's avatar
wspohn
601 posts
 
Montalban was a paid flack - he took money to mispronounce 'Cordoba' for Chrysler ads and touted 'fine Corinthian leather' which didn't in fact exist.

Hmm - I wonder if VPI uses Corinthian leather because it sounds better.....

But hey - it opens the door to a bunch more 'audiophile' magic treatments like the various contact ointments and magic buttons etc.  How long will it take to see reviews on how so and so leather treatment drastically improves the music played on one of these?

Me?  I would just haul out the jar of Connelley Hide Food that I use on the leather upholstery in my British cars.   At least until someone comes out with a review that tells me it makes the sound 'greasy'....
tablejockey OP
3,883 posts
 
"Love the way Jesse Ed burns it up!
The real gem on that LP is, Jamaica Say You Will…"

oregon - Yes! I like the entire album. I go on binges of forgotten music. 
J.B, then spin off with his supporting cast. David Lindley fan here!
"For Everyman"  gets a thumbs up too.

I like to steal Jesse's licks while fumbling on my geetar. I keep a LP and Fender in the room.
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,911 posts
 
Now a David Lindley edition turntable could make some garish but interesting aesthetic hay… One of his subtle shirts for speaker grilles perhaps…..

Take it Easy…..Chinese edition.
sbank's avatar
sbank
3,378 posts
 
Never heard the MOFI tables, but I've got to admit the new "Fender Sunburst" embellishment is pretty freakin' sweet looking! Cheers,
Spencer
tablejockey OP
3,883 posts
 
"Now a David Lindley edition turntable could make some garish but interesting aesthetc"

tomic601-Perhaps a hybrid cross-Lindley's mop/Thing from the Adams family?

sbank-I like the "burst"! I think they're on to something with that finish.
Offered at the Ultradeck price even better. Upcharge for what you're actually getting kinda steep.
https://mofi.com/products/mofi-electronics-fender-x-mofi-precisiondeck-limited-edition-turntable

UltraDeck fun table for the price. Me thinks you're just getting a veneer.
Had the opportunity to take one for a spin when it was introduced.
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