VPI - HR-X or a SME 20/2A

SME arms don't have any azimuth adjustment

A small note of correction... SME makes an SME V that does have azimuth adjustment. The Vd has a detachable headshell that adjusts for azimuth. According to SME engineers and born out by Wally Malewicz, the fitment of the detachable headshell is capable of coupling that is indistinquishable from the fixed headshell design.

Audioblazer,

I have not heard the table with the solid platter. What is it made of? Can it take the outer ring? I seem to recall a discussion with Harry Weisfeld where he told me the pre-production models of the table had a larger platter, but that he thought this approach sounded better. I know the guy at high-end website likes the table with just an aluminum body, but although I have not heard the solid aluminum base, I do not agree with his description of the current HRX - i.e., bleached sound. Harry also thought the current model sounded much better.

Cohnaudio. according to vpi ( i emailed them) the base doesnt not contribute to the sound. However, the type of platter do contribute to the different sound that the high-endaudio.com claimed.It seems that the solid platter is similar to the tnt model. anyway tq for responding. will keep u posted regarding which platter i will buy

Why not just have both after a burbon or two either will sound good if not better.

I guess the question I'd have to ask is why spend so much on the TT in the first place especially if your new to analog as you say. That means that your LP collection is zero? How many CD's do you own? You say that most of your listening is Classical. Unfortunately, Classical is what there are the least of in new LP's. Oh, you can get new pressings but really why get into analog simply to be limited by what you can get. If your into string esemble it's even worse. Now if you plan on going the used LP route you can get plenty of classical. If you are still determined then I would go for a less expensive TT and use the left over $ for new LP's. If you plan on going forward I would get the VPI if you plan on buying used LP's as well as new. Have you heard the VPI Classic? I heard one the other day and thought it sounded really musical. If that deck was vailable 10 years ago I may have gone for it. I have heard the SME 20/2A twice on a limited basis and have not heard the HRX. The SME is very neutral even overly neutral in my book. I think it really comes down to what you like, one is on the warmer side the other is cooler.