Vpi Aries 1-3 difference between tables?

As an owner of the Aries 3/10.5/Superplatter and a 19 MKIV/Sama/10/TNT 5 Bearing and Platter, I'll offer up some comments.

The Aries I came with the TNT 5 Bearing and Platter. This is different than the stock Aries 3 platter. All Acyrlic platters are more forward sounding and higher in detail than the composite platters. The composites offer up better bass response and a more organic (i.e. whole) presentation although more recessed sounding.

The new Superplatter is somewhere in between the TNT MK5 platter and the all acrylic platters. IMO it may actually be superior to the Superplatter.

The 10.5i is a definite improvement over the 10. The 10 can have the "jitters" as it settles on a record. The 10.5 tracks audibly better. The Vahalla wiring also allows more details to be transfered to the phono stage.

Although you didn't ask, I'll through in some more comments. The SDS MUST be considered, it moves the table up a solid grade offering speed stability. As far as the outer ring goes, it does benefit many of the thinner LP's but becomes a pain putting on and taking off.

Hope this helps

Very good.. thanx much

i've been wrestling with what upgrades to make...if any...over my base Aries I / 10.5

Seemed like the tonearm upgrade was worth it

Really appreciate the many responces to my original question. Wouldn't mind finding a used Aries 1 with the 10.5 Vpi arm. If you know of any for sell. Send them my way...

Correction, Aries 1 with the 10.5i tonearm.

This is very interesting to me; although I was a VPI dealer in the past as well as the present I missed the Aries 1 and 2 period entirely. I have an Aries Extended on order with 12.7 arm and super platter. I have not used a composite platter for years, was using a TNT 1 with upgrades as well as a Basis Ovation, now have a Scout and Scoutmaster on display, all using acrylic platters. But apparently VPI is abandoning the acrylic platters, the two new ones use metal and the Scout and Scoutmaster are switching to the same platter. So if you want acrylic now is the time to get one.