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VPI Aries 1 upgrades?

Hi!
I had a conversation earlier today about upgrading my original Aries + JMW 10.

It was recommended that the biggest upgrades (bang for the $) would be:
1) Platter, bearing + periphery ring (@ approx $1300)
2) JMW 10.5i (@ $1200)

Other possibilities include the single motor+flywheel ($700, i think), just the lower noise motor (~$140), and/or the forthcoming new hr-x style feet ($200).

I already have the SDS.

I started to add up the costs of the upgrades and realized that we're approaching the price of the ScoutMaster Signature (esp if you subtract the SDS). I started to think that the decision is really whether to perform the upgrades, or to attempt to sell the Aries/JMW combo and pump the money I would have spent on upgrades into a new unit.

I asked the man himself about making the choice, and he could only say that they sound a bit different (and that the Aries does look a little better, but that's not a big concern to me).

I have enjoyed the Aries tremendously, and I think that any shortcomings I notice are probably more related to the fact that I moved somewhere and have not been able to properly stabilize the rack on which it sits.

Does anyone have any thoughts on the above upgrades? They are pretty pricey for me, but I'm thinking about what I want to do next/strive for.

Do my existing platter + bearing have any value to offset the new platter/bearing/periphery ring? How much?

Has anyone compared the Scoutmaster Signature to the Aries?

What would you do?

Thank you in advance for your thoughts!
ebalog
kehut's avatar
kehut
668 posts
 
I'll add my 2cents as a former Aries/JMW 10 owner who upgraded to the Aries 2 platter and bearing. HUGE difference for the better. I did not go with the periphery ring..so cant comment on its use.

You will gain everything your looking for with this upgrade. Much better bass, a quieter, blacker background and a more seamless,coherent,slightly more forward, yet focused sound.

I'd start with this upgrade, then you can upgrade to the 10.5i arm later. Also, make sure you have the 300 rpm motor..thats also key to the upgraded sonics.

FWIW..I regret selling my Aries 2 last year, but have since found a deal on a SM table with 9 Sig arm. I think its every bit as good as what I had in the Aries 2.

Good listening!..
Ken
ebalog OP
31 posts
 
Thanks for the input, Ken!

Was the Aries 2 platter all acrylic? I imagine it is different from the latest HRX bearing/platter.

I figured out that the version I have is the Mk. 4 acrylic/steel/lead version.

Thank you!
kehut's avatar
kehut
668 posts
 
Ebalog,

Yes, the all acrylic platter. The Aries 2 bearing is the inverted type and based on the HRX design. I believe the new HRX platter/bearing is different as well.

Believe me, you will hear the difference with the Aries 2 acrylic platter and bearing installed.
ebalog OP
31 posts
 
thanks again. sounds like this $600 bearing/platter upgrade goes beyond the aries 2 platter all the way to the hrx...unless i'm misunderstanding something.

do you know what year the hrx came out? VPI made no mention of the bearing/platter upgrade for my aries 1 brining it to the aries 2 level.

anxious to try it out.
kehut's avatar
kehut
668 posts
 
The upgrade im speaking of.... IS.... the Aries 2 platter/bearing.Thats the combo you want.

The Aries 2/ Scoutmaster is the same platter/bearing and is not the actual HRX combo..but is similar and based on the HRX...Hope this clears up any misunderstanding.

The Aries 2 platter/bearing fits your Aries 1 as a replacement. The 2's platter is thicker and thus makes the platter higher up..so you will need to use the newer motor and a spacer(avail from VPI) for your armboard to compensate for the height increase..

As for your original Aries 1 MkIV or 5 lead/aluminum/acrylic pla/bearing set.. you can always sell it on Audiogon. Guys with HW-19 tables are always looking to upgrade to this combo.
Regards,

Ken
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