VPI Fatboys versus others in its' tonearm weight class.
In their never ending quest to push fiscally responsible audiophiles into bankruptcy, site members have succeeded in making me consider a new gimbaled tonearm to keep a Lyra Kleos company on a VPI Classic 2 turntable. Dover, on my previous thread, pointed out most other tonearm options would be limited on the Classic 2 short of major surgery to it. So here I am considering keeping the tonearm upgrade in the VPI family. Their gimbaled Fatboy, will readily fit onto the VPI Classic 2’s tonearm base without any fuss.
Here’s my question after reading up on the Fatboy. How does the Fatboy compare with other tonearms in it’s $4500 price range? Is it about average in that class, which would be acceptable, or is it much better or worse than its’ peers?. If you.ve had any chance to compare the Fatboy with other tonearms in the same price range, what is your impression? I don’t want to spend that much money on one if the consensus is that it’s at the bottom of its class, which hopefully it isn’t.
I haven’t had an opportunity to listen to one, or any other tonearm as expensive. I would likely need to arrange a two day road trip to accomplish that. In lieu, I’m soliciting your impressions as to whether the Fatboy is worth that much compared to others in it’s price range. I guessing it will be okay, but don’t want to spend $4500 if the consensus is it’s at the bottom of its’ class just because it fits easily on my turntable. So what do you think? I’m all ears.
I’m not looking here for alternative solutions to a Fatboy. That was the topic of my recent thread, I’m only soliciting your impressions of the Fatboy compared to other similarly priced tonearms, and why I should or shouldn’t take a chance on it. Thanks all,
Mike
VPI ownership is enjoyable ONCE the setup is optimized. Unipivot or gimbal, they're not examples of SOTA engineering. With proper supporting equipment-cartridge/phonostage AND a clean LP, most ears will hear what it's designed to do-play a record at a respectable level compared to an uber $etup. The best upgrade for a VPI owner is opening the wallet a little wider for a different brand. Happy VPI Classic owner (11 years) |
Are you familiar with these two reviews: VPI Fatboy - Positive Feedback (positive-feedback.com) VPI 12-inch 3D Fatboy Tonearm - Positive Feedback (positive-feedback.com) I recently upgraded from a 12-inch 3D to 12-inch Fatboy, and my experience is consistent with the reviews above using Soundsmith cartridges - Boheme and Paua. |
Thanks Antin. I had see the first link but not the second. I have now added a Fatboy to my "list". Maybe someday I'll upgrade my Prime Signature but I'm pretty happy with it for the most part and hope to be more so after the Fatboy. I'm thinking the next step up will be a significant increase in $$$, no matter which brand it is. |
With your VPI Prime Signature if you do not have speed control of the motor that is still an option. Most people think the older VPI SDS is better than the current ADS, and VPI has discussed a better version of the ADS for the future, but the cost may be prohibitive if it ever arrives. With speed control and the new pulley One Speed Pulley (For Use With ADS) – VPI Industries. you can run 2-3 belts all providing better speed control. If you decide on an SDS wait for one with serial numbers in the 3000 series - these will be the later (newer) versions. I have not seen any SDS serial numbers above the 3900-series. Alternatively, you can have SOTA modify the motor pod to operate with their motor and controller - Total Eclipse Package – Sota Turntables. The general consensus is that the SOTA is the better motor and its controller is the old Phoenix Engineering's Falcon PSU and Roadrunner Tachometer | Analog Planet. VPI has been 'threatening' to manufacture a better motor for many years but nothing as of yet. I run the SDS and two belts and for now I am content with the performance. Beyond motor speed control, the other upgrades can get pretty expensive: -The single-motor flywheel $1.5K Single Motor Flywheel – VPI Industries. -The Avenger pneumatic feet four for $4.45K, Avenger Pneumatic Feet – VPI Industries - if you floor vibration problems. But at this price, other options to solve floor vibration problems are available. - There is the (I think its ~$7K) 25-lb magnetic drive plater - it should fit the Prime Signature just check with VPI but at this point a new table 'may' be a better option. The benefit of the VPI tables is the ability to incrementally upgrade the table. |
Wow, thanks @antinn . I don't know how good or not good the Prime Signature feet are but they seem very good. However, if I feel the need for further isolation (or is that decoupling?) then I'd likely purchase a platform from Townshend. I have that on my list anyway but is not a priority. As far as speed control - I'm a bit of a newbie (but not new - 19 mos in this hobby) and haven't read up on this and how it affects sound. I cannot hear my records fluctuatiing speed-wise..........or maybe I am. Hmm, will take a closer look at this. I like the idea of hot rodding the table a piece at a time though. Thanks again. |
