VPI to What

I bought a VPI HW MK II with a Sumiko MMT arm and a Koetsu Black in 1985. About 15 years ago, I was thinking of upgrading to a classic for $5K. However, I noticed that the classic had a decidedly different design philosophy - no more lead ring imbedded in the acrylic platter, an aluminum platter instead - so I called Harry. He told me that Fed regs banned the use of lead, so he needed to adjust, but that I did not have to. He recommended that I simply upgrade from the MK II to the MK IV, and save myself $4K. And so I did. I am still using this table, 39 years in.

To another VPI. Ideated about Michell, Regas, Brinkmann. But these at the level I was interested in would be used purchases with no nearby dealers. Thus the change from the old VPI Scout with a unipivot (what I disliked about the TT) to a VPI Prime 21 with a much more reassuring gimbal arm. Together with an upgraded DS cartridge (E1 to 003) a significant improvement.

I loved my VPI Aries for well over a decade. The unipivot arm works well. I think if I had to do it over again I would have gone up a couple levels in VPI. Not that I don’t love my current system.

for those that disparage the unipivot.......there is an inexpensive item called the 2nd pivot which stablizes the arm better.....the sound is still great.

I debated on VPI but decided on Acoustic Signature NEO Hurricane with their TA-5000 9 inch arm. Very please after 18 months. Great table. I especially like the twin motor so there is balanced force against the main spindle the platter rest on. 30 kg so a solid foundation as well.