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VPI Rim Drive vs. belt drive sound files

Greetings All,

About two weeks ago I installed the VPI Rim Drive on my HRX turntable. Having gone through the same frustration of getting the speed stable discussed in other threads, I ---> THINK <--- I finally have it fairly well tweaked. The difference in sound appears to be a much more focused sound stage at the expense (?) of a change in tonal balance. Specifically, the mid tomes of piano keys seems to be a bit more harsh and there appears to be a bit more extension in the very bottom octave.

As I use my turntable purely as a front end for archival capture and mastering, I have digital files of the same tracks, though the identical signal path with both the belt drive and the rim drive. If anyone has the patience to download these large AIFF format files, the link below will give you access to a few of them. I’d be very interested in getting feedback from all on both sonic differences between them as well as any suggestions to improve the Rim drive set up based on listening. If you’d like to check them out please go to:

http://clients.crossroadstelevision.com

user: dean
password: marvin
go into the “VPI RIM DRIVE TEST” folder

Cheers,
Dean
dean358
normansizemore
601 posts
 
This is a fantastic thread! I listen to quite a bit of solo piano, and that is the main reason that I went from a fully decked out Linn LP12 back to a Dual 1229. I did change the tonearm on the Dual to my favorite a Grace 747. You described the piano as 'harsh'. Actually, if you play piano you would recognize it as 'real' sounding with the rim drive setup. To me, it is pure with definite beginning and decay. Once you get used to this, nothing else will satisfy you. This is the reason those who can't afford your set up reach for old Duals, Thorens, and Garrards! Rim/idler drive is so dynamic it is addicting.
jamnperry
123 posts
 
I finally gave up on waiting for the rim drive for the Scoutmaster. Picked up the Teres Verus rim drive. Difference was immediate and the same as described for the VPI drive. It is more resolving, better defined bass, more pinpoint imaging, etc.
Thanks Dean for posting the files. They convinced me that the Rim Drive was worth looking into.
ptmconsulting
1,000 posts
 
I hear people complaining that they are still trying to get speed stability with the VPI rim drive. Is there a similar issue with the teres solution?

Do these rim drives have stable pitch/speed, or do they still require and SDS or something similar to make sure they are speed stable?

Bob
theskudra's avatar
theskudra
13 posts
 
Dean-what a great thread. I wish more people would record their comparisons not only for the individual doing the evaluating, but for others as well.
I recorded the same 10 or so tracks with my current table and also with another table I was considering buying. I used the same cartridge for both tests. It was somewhat difficult to tell the difference right away, but when I went back and played the tracks back with my Tascam, it became clear that my table was superior.
I wonder has anybody done a similar test, but with other tables? This would seem to be the only way to compare tables.
jamnperry
123 posts
 
I'm not having any speed issues with the Teres. The drive leans against the platter so the contact with the platter is different by design. It's basically 2 small footers on the outside of the motor with none inside towards the platter, forcing gravity against the platter. I can't say whether that's better than the VPI system but it seems like it would be less finicky than the fixed motor position of the VPI.
It does need a speed controller which is included. It doesn't have as fine of adjustments as the SDS, and is a little trickier to set up, but seems solid once done.
Appearance wise, looks and fits well in the motor cutout of the Scoutmaster. Only slight problem is the short motor is the only one that will work for the Scoutmaster if you plan to use the outer ring. I have mine resting on a small piece of plywood on top of the Gingko to raise the height. Was planning to maybe use small maple board but sounds fine as is. I'll experiment later, but I don't expect it to matter much.
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