VPI Classic - Now you have one......

That's correct Cmalak. I got the Valhalla wiring but not the VTA tower. The Valhalla option was $300 extra, but my dealer said unequivocally it was absolutely worth it and I trust his judgment. The Classic that was set up at the store also had some sort of a felt mat on the platter, which I found interesting as I know HW normally advises against any mats for VPI tables; I've never felt the need to use my Boston carbon Mat-1 with my Scout, that's for sure. I wonder if that's because of the aluminum platter. I will certainly experiment with the mat and will let you know what I find.

I think the arm mass on 10.5i is rather confusing since there are 2 versions of the arm. There used to be a lighter version then there is a steel arm wand version which is slightly heavier. I think the heavier arm is now the standard arm but the earlier units, steel arm is an option. So I am not sure if 12.3 g is the heavier arm or 11.6g is the heavier arm? I am waiting for the VTA on the fly kit as my local dealer can retrofit it easily enough. I assume that VTA tower should not really affect the effective weight.

Good point Suteetat. The difference in effective tonearm mass probably has to do with the steel vs. aluminum arm wands and not whether the VTA Tower is included or not as I said. I guess one has to check with VPI to be sure what they have.

Just discovered and read this thread. I received my unit in December and originally placed it on a home built 3 1/2 inch thick laminated plywood block. I had no issues with "pops" when I turned the table on and off. My wife however forced me to remove the lovely block and place the Classic on a thin composite mat on top of a the glass (I know, I know) shelf above the preamp and tuner and that is when the loud pop occurred on shut down of the unit. The block has mysteriously disappeared so I haven't been able to duplicate the original set up. Hope this helps Maurager.

For those with the "popping" problem: why not simply turn the volume all the way down when you turn the Classic off? I do it anyway, just in case, even though I have not experienced any popping with my current set-up. It seems like a prudent thing to do.