Vpi Aries 1-3 difference between tables?

Save some money and buy a used Aries 1. It came with a heavy platter that you pay extra for on an Aries 3. The Aries 3 uses an inverted bearing, but it is not inherently better than a conventional bearing--it is ALL in the execution.

There is an Aries with 10" arm for $2000 currently available, if I wasn't a VPI dealer I would buy it myself.

Hey not wanting to hijack this thread... but do folks think there is enough difference between the Aries I platter and the 1200$ "super platter" upgrade for the III to make it worth the change. I have an Aries I and had been contemplating the platter upgrade.

On the same lines... do folks think the plinth on the Aries III is an upgrade over the original Aries I

and lastly...

the JMW 10 -> 10.5 -> 10.5i what do folks think about that progression in terms of sound quality? Is the nordost rewire and VTA adjustment worth chasing from the 10.5?

Then of course the standard 300 rpm motor versus the motor with the built in flywheel that is offered as an Aries upgrade on the VPI site?...

I think those topics all fall in the realm of hte original question.. :-)

Here is a link that covers why Aries I and 10.5 is better. http://www.high-endaudio.com/RC-Tables.html

If you have not read any of Sal's stuff, it could take you weeks to cover it all.

I've found Sal to be pretty much right on, equipment and recording wise.

Sal's comments on VPI platters are worth considering.

One of my tables is an Aries I/10.5. I also have an extended Aries III, with a 12.7 arm