How to choose an upgraded tonearm.

Dover, reusing the same holes is clever. I’ll have to think about that one. I really don’t want to start another project though, like trying to install another type arm that might not correctly fit or the installation end up being screwed up somehow. I’ve been doing things along those lines most of my life during various and sundry pursuits. usually with good results. But I’m leery of trying it with this type of equipment as a rookie, It could easily be a recipe for disaster. That is a clever and tempting idea though.. I’ll have to sleep on it.

Imhififan, I give you credit for giving an outboard arm a try.

I’m thinking tonight about ways to pay for the expensive, easily retrofit gimbaled Fatboy. Maybe I can get a trade in on my current tonearm, or a discount on the list price of a Fatboy, or find one used but not abused, or even sell my current Ortofon 2M Black cartridge to defray cost. I’ve got to think about that approach for a while too. But where there’s a will there’s a way

Again, I appreciate everyone’s suggestions and ideas. Plenty of food for thought, Maybe I’ll start a thread on gimbaled Fatboys to get an idea how they compare with other tonearms in their price range. If other cartridges are much better in comparison that would provide impetus to the thought of installing a custom arm board. Lots to consider while breaking the bank.

Pindac, you’re certainly a DIY (do it yourself) guy, which I admire. I’m not with my stereo equipment for the most part as I’ve learned to accept my limitations.

On your second point, I can lock my equipment up behind doors if any kids are around. No pets are allowed in the house. And no miscreants either for that matter, who like to admire and touch my stereo or books. My late wife was an exception to that rule, because she might give me a good whack if need be,

Mike

Is there an option on the Fatboy to have period of use prior to committing to the purchase.

It may incur an outlay, but at least it does not require a permanent loss of funds, if the device does not meet your expectations.

I have made a Transportation Box for my TT and it is a very good method to take my TT to other homes or events to be used for demonstrations.

The Box is approx' 2" (50mm) oversized on all dimensions and has hand hold points cut into the sidewalls.

A semi hard foam is used internally on the sidewalls and a softer foam is used as the base padding and to pack the top before the lid is attached.

The TT could be arranged to be taken to another premises to be demonstrated against other Vinyl Set Ups.

I am regularly participating in these types of encounters, and have learned a vast amount from the experiences met.

This method can at the least, create a situation where other enthusiasts are met and their experiences are drawn on.

The ultimate is that the encounter introduces you to an experience that shows the quality of your own set up, or if the set up is bettered by other devices in use.

I have done the above for both Idler Drive and Direct Drive TT's, along with other owned devices and have been very satisfied with the outcome of the encounters and the friendships that have developed.

Many HiFi Systems are in the hands of individuals that are insular and the systems are not encountered by many, other than the user with the interest, and the quality of the system, is solely an assessment of one individual only.

This as an attitude is quite limiting and the mindset can easily develop, where a individual believes their choices are absolute and without question.

I can assure you there is no harm that can be done in meeting others and experiencing their choices they have made, even better when an option arises for the chance to experience ones own choice made for a device in a different system.             

Dover nicely summarized your options in the very first response to your question. The subsequent posts delineate your best specific options in alternative tonearms. The choice for a course of action yours.

you could ask yourself what is the penalty in the re-sale value of your Classic, if you have to drill new holes,  and count that as an added cost of the upgrade.

@skyscraper : " I’m thinking tonight about ways to pay for the expensive, easily retrofit gimbaled Fatboy. "

"" know how those VPI gimballed Fatboys compare to any other tonearms in the $4500 price range. ""

If you decide to go for that VPI I think is way better to go with an overall way better TT/tonearm as the Rega RP-10 for almost the same price of that VPI tonearm. Do it you a favor and re-read not only the linked reviews of the Rega but the Rega site information with the Stereophile M.Fremer review. Another advantage is that the Rega was reviewed with Lyra cartridges including the Kleos. With this alternative you could put on sale your Classic VPI TT/tonearm along the Ortofon cartridge.

In the other side good that you decided not to go behind that stupid stand alone arm pod advise.

Put your money where it counts.

R.

Lewm. you’re right, dover hit the nail on the head right out the gate. Options are limited with VPI’s design. I’m not concerned with resale value as aforementioned. I’m not planning on selling the Classic 2, and I’d not want to attempt any mods on it where I might potentially screw it up. I’m happy to have it as it.is in that respect.

Raul, I appreciate your advice, and it is sound and sensible. But at $7000 retail for the RP-10, I’m not looking to make that kind of outlay, plus have to change out and sell my VPI Classic 2, tone arm and cartridge to make it happen. I started out only wanting to upgrade a cartridge and did stretch my budget to order the Lyra Kleos. Honestly you all convinced me to do that for excellent reasons, Your above suggestion although probably equally sound is really way more than I’d like to deal with on top of getting the Kleos.

I’d take a serious look at the RP-10’s tonearm by itself if it would retrofit onto the VPI Classic 2’s tonearm base, but it doesn’t appear that it will without modifying that base. And i’m unsure if there is any issue with its’ height on that platform. I’ll look for the Fremer review anyway, as I’m not sure if that’s the one I read. In any event thank you for your thoughtful suggestion.

One other thing Raul, please do not address others suggestions on my thread as stupid. A modicum of tact is called for. Other’s ideas are expressed with the best of intentions just as yours are. Whether they are knowledgeable as you or not, or their suggestions are as good or not, that part is up to me to sort out on my thread. They are after all graciously taking their time to be of assistance. I hope this suggestion does not put you off, as I do appreciate your advice and knowledge, and that you have taken the time to generously share it on my behalf here.

Pindac, I wish there were others here near home to visit and share an interest in audio with, as you seem to be able to. Unfortunately I can’t find any. A local dealer told me years ago there was an audio club in Roanoke, but it’s long gone. That’s the peril of living out in the countryside. The Audiogon site really does help in this regard.

Mike