VPI Classic hum

Your second post suggested that you were bothered by some noise on the lead-in and quiet passages and were trying to eliminate it. If you have buzzing sound coming from the speakers that's one thing, but I stand by my statement that some noise is inherent in the medium and those looking to eliminate it completely should switch to CDs. Doubtless, it might vary with different cartridges and cables (Grados are notorious for picking up hum with the Classic, for example), as well as with the quality of vinyl certainly. However, I've heard mega-buck systems and I'm sorry but at higher listening levels there will be noise, especially with tube amplification. Perhaps I'm misunderstanding your posts.

Actusreus - the hum I'm getting in the lead-in grooves, I heard no such thing in previous set-ups I had, including a Clearaudio and NAS, with a variety of cartridges.

Bifwynne - I will update my posts as I find out more.

Bassraptor: I agree with Actusreus' comment about Grados, at least the Sonata. I used to own a Grado Sonata MM (5 mV), which was mounted on a restored vintage Thorens TD 160. No matter what I did, I couldn't get rid of the hum. The sonics were ok, but not as good as the Maestro.

I haven't tried a Grado out on the Classic, but maybe if I can't fix my Maestro bass resonance problem, I'll try one. However, I might "road test" the Ortofon 2 M Black, which is supposed to be one fantasic MM cartridge.

I was told a separate ground wire is required for Grado cartridges not to hum, I've used a wood-bodied Grado with an Amari TT mounted with Rega RB250 arm, but with separate ground wire (unlike Rega TTs), and no hum heard.

My Classic has a steel arm-tube, btw ...

Damn, it shouldn't be so difficult to get it all right with the Classic. My previous Clearaudio Performance was much more well-behaved! Yet, there's something about Mary, er, I mean, the Classic ...

Bassraptor, which Classic model do you have? The Classic 1 and Classic 2 come standard with the JMW 10.5i SE arm, which per the VPI website is "made from aluminum and stainless steel, critically damped in the armtube to keep the arm and wires from vibrating." The VPI website says the Classic 3 "arm [has] a new stainless steel arm-tube, bearing assembly, base mounting, and Nordost Valhalla wiring from cartridge to RCA (or XLR) output jacks."

As I mentioned above, Mike is suggesting that I try an arm tube made of stainless steel. Perhaps it's the same arm tube you have??

In any case, I would appreciate knowing which model Classic you have and whether you have identified any compatibility issues with the Classic/Maestro combo. Thanks for your help.