VPI Aries versus VPI Classic

My Aries was very bright compared to the Clearaudio Performance Magnum it replaced, and the VPI Classic which I now have. Not a contest, it lacked weight in the midrange, and with my gear some music just seemed to screetch.

I can't Imagine an Aries being bright. I have heard 2 other ones besides mine and bright is the last thing they are. What kind of cartridge and phono-preamp are you using?

The Classic is a good table; I have had a lot of VPIs in my 2 tours as a dealer and I have never had or heard a properly set up one of any vintage sound bad. I am just not sure it is an advance on the previous generation Scoutmaster, let alone the Aries. I should have mentioned in my previous post that the TTW ring fit all the VPIs I have tried it as well as the Basis.

I do not think my Aries I is bright. I have heard my table playing at the Dealers' after setup in the same location as the Classic table. We uplugged the classic and plugged in my Aries. My Aries was better but I think I had a better cartridge.

I had several cartridges that I used:

Sumiko Blackbird, Grado Statement Reference 1, Benz Micro Glider

used the phono preamp in my Cary SLP98p F-1, and when needed a step up transformer from Graham Slee. I also was auditioning other phono stages in this time frame, included Cary Audio PH II, several ARC's, the Graham Slee's, PS Audio GCPH (modded, what I kept), Bryston, etc...

Also, I always used the MintLP set up for the cartridges, very accurate, and fairly easy to use. So unless there was just some inherent problem with the arm, or wiring, it sounded bright. I don't know what your experiences have been, but that was mine.

Oh, and the table sat on a specific for that model, Ginko Audio isolation platform. The Clearaudio was to my ear, a much better table all around. I love the Classic, after overcoming the inherent problem of hum that accompanies an integrated motor assembly with a well shielded cartridge (Soundsmith), it's been a great table, that I am not looking to replace.