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VPI Classic original vs newer tonearms

I recently got the original (square corner) version of the VPI Classic 1 turntable. I understand the newer rounded corner model has a few changes that they have made--a new platter, an aluminum heatsink for the motor, and a slightly longer (6 mm) tonearm. I am working on ordering the Mint LP tractor from Yip, and he is not clear on the model tonearm I have. The best I can tell is that I have the JMW Memorial 10.5i SE. Is this correct? Isn't the latest tonearm called the Classic SE Tonearm now? I would call VPI but they are closed til May 3. Thanks to you Classic owners who can help!
swanny76109
kgturner's avatar
kgturner
663 posts
 
According to VPI's price sheet info on their website "THE JMW-10.5i TONEARM HAS BEEN RENAMED THE CLASSIC 3 TONEARM". The 10.5i is included on the Classic 2 and Classic 3 tables, I believe. The Classic 1 has it's own arm (called "The Classic Tonearm"). It lacks the VTA tower of the 10.5i. Whether or not the 10.5i and the Classic tonearm have the same specs is something I can't answer.
suteetat
435 posts
 
10.5i SE is the original tonearm that came with VPI Classic. (You can add VTA tower, change standard silver wire to Valhalla wire etc). Classic 3 tonearm, as far as I know is still the same lenght as 10.5i SE but according to Harry Pearson in his most recent article in Absolute Sound, there is additional internal damping and it comes standard with VTA tower and effective mass may be different. So I think that you can use the same protractor for both. When I added VTA tower to my old 10.5i SE arm, VPI told me to use the same protractor for overhang adjustment.
swanny76109 OP
382 posts
 
Thanks Suteet. Yip says f the spindle to tonearm pivot is 159mm it is the SE. I will measure to be sure but this makes sense.
swanny76109 OP
382 posts
 
Ooops. Meant 259 mm!
swanny76109 OP
382 posts
 
OK, it is definitely 259 mm, so the tonearm is indeed the JMW Memorial 10.5i SE arm. Mystery solved.
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