CPI super platter vs. Classic aluminum platter

Own Super Scoutmaster with acrylic platter, upgrade to SSM Ref with super platter and it was a significant upgrade.

I also own Classic, it does have a lighter tone than my SSM Ref but then they have different cartridge on them (though from the same maker).

My super platter had to go back to VPI due to thermal cycle causing it to not perfectly aligned any more. Per Mike, he said this was a "common" problem and major reason for VPI to stop making it.

Mike kept it for 3 months and could not fix it. He just mailed me back a refurb from a trade in. He was more than happy to send me a new Classic platter, but I insisted on super platter because I like the sound more. He did not disagree with me.

I like the acrylic platter better than the new aluminum. Better sound to my ears

I can't believe some of you like the Superplatter compared to the Classic platter. The difference is very clearly presented with the Super sounding tubby and closed in where the Classic is open and free. They really are at the opposite ends of presentation.

Semi....the Superplatter was manufactured with an out of roundness that worked fine with the belt drive, but was totally unacceptable with the rim drive. If you are interested I have the answer to make it work.. shoot me an E-mail if interested.

I was the original poster on this and have since replaced my Super Platter with the Classic platter, which was later upgraded to a Classic platter with inverted oil-pumping bearing which Harry had custom-made.

The Classic platter is much better sounding IMO than the Super Platter. While the Super Platter was better than the original acrylic platter that came with my original Super Scoutmaster, the Classic platter is much more lively, dynamic, with clearer more natural sound. The Super Platter was dark sounding and veiled dynamics. As to Stringreen's point the Classic platter is also much better with the rim drive which I have. I have also upgraded to the 3D tonearm, which is a big improvement over the JMW 10.5i arm.

One of the great things about VPI is the ability to upgrade the platter, motor, tonearm, bearing, feet, etc. "if you want to."