VPI Classic 1 tone arm swap help needed

Why not get the gimbaled VPI arm, mount it and call it a day?

Note that the VPI tonearms are surface mount with the phono cable exiting on top of the plinth. SME and many others are through plinth mount with the phono cable exiting below the plinth. The VPI Classic is not setup for through the plinth tonearms.

There are not many tonearms that are surface mount, but Tri-Planar Precision Tonearm is an example of surface mount tonearm that is well regarded. Tri-Planar sometimes is available for sale 2nd-hand. But keep in mind the VPI Classic has limits for tonearm length with the length of the current VPI 3D-10JMW-10-3D-UniPivot – VPI Industries about as long as you can fit. Also, a new tonearm like the Tri-Planar may need a new tonearm base to make sure the tonearm is at the correct level. Your basic VPI Classic probably does not have the tonearm base that a VPI Classic Signature has.

@stereo5  Not worth the effort, my biggest issue is with the wire going up from arm and catching some kind of static that I'm struggling with and I need signal cables going down not up 

@antinn 

I'm aware of all of the issues you are pointing out.  Tri-Planar Precision Tonearm would be the easiest swap but I like challange and iv .vi would be my first choice to struggle fit in  or maybe SME V. According to VPI it can be fitted to my table.

I need to find the info of actual demotions of the sme arm. I need dimension from the bottom to the centerline of the arm.

"now I see you like things so complicated that brain hurts just imagining how that thing works not to mention how to set it up :) me opposite straight lines and less is more ideology..... that's why in trying to muscle in SME IV.vi or better V .... how bad it can be?? "

I get it. I like my Classic  for the traditional looks, and based on 14 years of trouble free use.

As mentioned, you could just get a VPI gimbal as a drop in.

I don't know how much of an SQ "improvement" it is? I'm thinking-meh.

I would reach out you VPI. They might  provide insight on armboard and other info needed to perform a swap?

Off topic, I too am a roadie. Overdue for the retirement rig.

Current one was purchased in 2010 and I'm not yet enjoying wireless shifting and disc  brakes. Anything I want is gonna be over $10K+!!