2. analog
  3. 1262825245

Another VPI or something else for under $2k

I have a max out VPI SSM Ref (rim drive & super platter), it sounds superb in my main system.

I will be moving and want to setup a small analog system. Just bought a PCX modded PS Audio GCPH which I will use as pre/phono. I will be buying my analog used to maximize my return. Want to keep TT/arm budget under $2k, lower is better. I have some spare cartridges (Transfiguration Tempest, Rao something, and a Shure), haven't decided which one to use.

The usual suspects are:

VPI Superscout
Clearaudio Performance CMB (very rare in used market)
Nottingham Space 294 (most likely over $2k)

I want to try something other than VPI if I can, but VPI is most abundant and very proven. Another VPI?
semi
tfkaudio
591 posts
 
I agree that butter pecan is the way to go. Strain out the pecans before damping your tonearm with it. Add a little to the main bearing to get a sweeter sound.

Seriously though, you've got a VPI so try something else. I've often thought of getting a second TT (I also have the SSM Rim-Drive) and if I had...

a lot of money I'd try - Teres
a little money I'd try - Rega

I'd really like to try the Grand Prix Monaco, but that would require a lot of money stacked on top of even more money. (The SSM Rim-Drive was a multi-year budget stretcher for poor me.)

Cheers
photon46
1,088 posts
 
I recently got an Acoustic Signature after a few years of owning a Scout. I found an original Final Tool and just ordered the new motor, pulley, and belt for it from Germany. Total came in right at $2k. I'm very impressed with the Final Tool, but the basic sound of this table is different than the VPI "house sound." I'd say VPI's sound very organically integrated and are designed to let you focus on the music first and think about audiophile concerns secondarily. The FInal Tool is a bit more analytical sounding, noticeably more revealing, and requires more effort in partnering with preamps and cartridges to fine tune the sound to your preference. Different approaches, both rewarding.
semi OP
649 posts
 
I got a butter pecan! picked up a Nottingham Hyperspace with Anna arm, thought I would only be able to get a 294 at that price point. Will see how this one pan out, I have always want to try a Nottingham after owning Oracle Delphi V, Clearaudio Champion L2, and Sota Star Sapphire before.

Now which cartridge to mount on this 12" arm?
orpheus10
8,668 posts
 
A class "C" Rega can be tweaked to deliver class "B" sound.
tfkaudio
591 posts
 
Since the Anna is unipivot arm, many of the good choices for the JMW tonearms (med. to high compliance) will also be good matches. The Anna arm has a higher effective mass, though, so a lighter cartridge than those you use on your VPI may be better. A Grado Sonata would be an excellent choice, I would think, as would a Lyra Dorian or an Audio Technica AT-0C9.

Cheers.
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