How does the VPI Aries II stand up to current mid priced tables?

Graveyard dead.

Thanks @bdp24 I always look forward to your input on most subjects.

Late to this but I'm not really a VPI fan EXCEPT the Aries! I have an Aries 1 with a TNT platter that I upgraded with the SOTA Eclipse motor and controller which is a noticeable sound upgrade from any of the VPI controllers. SOTA retrofit the motor into the Aries pod. I also added a VPI Fatboy unipivot arm. Couldn't be happier. I've tried a bunch of other tables in the 10k range and there's nothing clearly better until you get into things like Techdas bottom of the line or the Kuzma Stabi R or Brinkmann. There are tables that are just as good and sound different, like a Garrard 301 or the Feickert tables.

Late to this as well, but I picked up an Aries 3 with a 10.5i arm, it does have the acrylic platter but I believe all the turntables in the Aries series are tanks.  The plinths are the best part of these tables, yes everything can be upgraded for a cost and I think it would rival any of the VPI turntables currently except the higher ones such as avenger and such.

Mount an ET 2.0 arm on that table with Stillpoints and Sota's total Eclipse.