HifiGary,here is am excerpt from a recent conversation I had with a dear friend.
He is a retired music reviewer,but has considerable contact with some curent equipment reviewers/industry folks.
I am stating this as an answer to your original post ONLY!!
It is something you may find interesting,but is not the gospel,so take it as basic input....
My pal and I were discussing the current audio industry in general,and stated that he has a close relationship with some very well known folks(audio journalists).The subject of Turntables came up,and VPI was included here.
His story was interesting,as he'd mentioned there was a "serious" comparison(I was asked not to be overly specific)between the "latest" VPI Super Scoutmaster and a European six figure table,that had been considerd the Holy Grail at this point.
The comparison was very carefully carried out(from what I was told).These guys know what they are doing!
The VPI came in at almost exactly the same "standard of sound" as the BIG BOY design.Basically they had to really stretch,to figure out which table was "on" at the time.
I was told this was not going to be exposed in any venue,BUT is is a "fact"!
A well designed,not overly costly design outpointing/equalling(to some high brow folks)an extremely expensive/flawlessly set up high end design,that was previously considered unbeatable!
Draw your own conclusions!!
Btw,as to the mention of an Oracle being rather bass shy...I don't believe that to be the case!!
I used to own four tower Huge Infinity speakers.The Oracle literally blew the doors off of my previous listening space.The speakers had big time bass capability,and the Oracle "did" my LP's to the max!
I ALWAYS try to hear "exact" same LP's on different systems,because in the real world NOBODY can do serious A/B'ing anymore.Let's get real!!
It is not a stretch to understand that when some folks move on to a new table,there is usually some other updates/upgrades done as well.Do we "all" really give credit "only" to a new component,after other variables are done to the system too?
If that were the case,I'd have been blown away by a plethora of new componentry in my old rig,after "just" employing a mere 70 dollar PS Audio wall wart product.The wall wart was a huge improvement in bass,but I'd made other changes as well.I could have easily thought it was my table/arm/cartridge/amp upgrade/tubes...you name it.Ya live and learn-:)
Btw,yes,I am no longer actively an audio system owner.So what?
I've gotten "back" to collecting acoustic fretted instruments,and studying Music Theory( a pain in the butt,but it needs to be understood).That was my passion before audio,when my kids were babies.I need to have some physical interaction with music these days.Just my own take and NO MORE than that,regardless of who says what!
Btw,my sound is definitely better than yours-:)I'm kidding.Don't get peeved.
I think I still know a thing or two about decent sound,and good value.
I hope someone saves a few bucks,if considering what "gives" in this hobby.Yer not going to go wrong with a newer VPI,if you get it set up "correctly"!You may have enough left over to take a nice vacation this year.
Still,guys like Stiltskin,and especially Downunder surely have systems to be proud of.What's not to like?
That takes nothing away from expensive stuff,which still happens to be quite good!
Adios
