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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
 
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
johnss
591 posts
 
You did not mention what pre amp or phono stage you are running. I'd be careful of the upgrades. I have the same VPI system you do. orig. Aries with JMW 10 arm. I got a bigger bang for the buck going through my phono stage with all Vishay resistors, new caps, and building a beefer power supply.

I am not so sure the newer versions are better; but def. are different. too many times people fail to distinguish between the two.

JOhn
ebalog OP
31 posts
 
thanks so much Johnss--
i think you have a very good point: 'different' is not always 'better'.

i use an audionote m8 phono stage.
curriemt11
220 posts
 
I have recently traded up from an original Aries to an Aries 3. There are 3 main differences: the platter/bearing, the arm (10.5 to 10.5i), and the plinth. I have added the periphery ring and center weight, by the way. I went through the same thought process that you are doing and came to the conclusion that buying a new unit rather than $2500 of upgrades (platter plus arm) was the way to go. After roughly 6 weeks, I can tell you that this was a MAJOR improvement in every regard. And, in a direct comparison with an HRX, I prefer the Aries 3. It is a bit lighter and 'faster' than the HRX. I have NOT heard it compared directly to the Scoutmaster Signature, and so cannot comment in that regard.
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