Mordante, years ago, I listened to the VPI all-acrylic platter for a several-month in my own audio system before trying the ring clamp. I then did some comparative listening with the periphery ring clamp prior to buying one for my TNT-6 several years ago.
In my system, I found that the sound of the acrylic platter without the ring clamp was a bit lean, cold and analytical. The ring clamp appeared to introduce some much needed dampening of energy and, in my system, had the effect of eliminating a sound character that reminded me of digital glare and restoring a richer, weightier tonal balance. The heavier "Super Platter" will take the tonal balance of the VPi turntables even further in this direction, providing noticeably more bass weight and authority - more reminiscent of the sound of the old Mk. V and earlier TNTs that used heavy platters and undermount bearings.
I also recommend the VPI rim drive mechanism. The new drive mechanism is a significant improvement over the VPI belt-drive design. The rim drive will give you much better dynamics, tighter and more tuneful bass, and significantly improved PRaT.
In my system, I found that the sound of the acrylic platter without the ring clamp was a bit lean, cold and analytical. The ring clamp appeared to introduce some much needed dampening of energy and, in my system, had the effect of eliminating a sound character that reminded me of digital glare and restoring a richer, weightier tonal balance. The heavier "Super Platter" will take the tonal balance of the VPi turntables even further in this direction, providing noticeably more bass weight and authority - more reminiscent of the sound of the old Mk. V and earlier TNTs that used heavy platters and undermount bearings.
I also recommend the VPI rim drive mechanism. The new drive mechanism is a significant improvement over the VPI belt-drive design. The rim drive will give you much better dynamics, tighter and more tuneful bass, and significantly improved PRaT.