VPI SSM Ref setup variations


What configuration of VPI SSM Ref are people running right now - and why ?

I’d like to understand how the different set ups for this deck have evolved and improved things for those who are Happy Chappies – so that I can try things myself and decide which works best for my ears and environment, since opinions and solutions seem to vary somewhat.

I’ve read threads about Rim Drive vs Belt Drive, Bearpaws, Symposium Acoustic Point Padz and Precision Couplers under the motor assembly, supports under the SDS, etc etc Various people report arm wobbles – others haven’t had it - including me.

Two examples:
Stringreen seems to be content after much frustration and many conversations with Harry. Bearpaws solved his arm wobble but he didn’t have the other problems people reported (I think..) What is now his config and what were the problems solved ?

Hiendmuse is also content it seems – but I’m a bit puzzled by those two Precision Couplers under the motor. Did he try three and reject it ? (two sounds a bit strange – especially when both are positioned perpendicular to the Rim contact point (as I read it).

As background – I’ve struggled with Rim Drive to such an extent I’ve gone back to belts. THREE of them… But I’m still very interested in trying out the various supports and footers that are mentioned in the threads – as ever on our Never Ending Journey.

My deck is on a Symposium Acoustics Ultra platform, itself on an Audiophile Base rack and carpeted concrete floor. I’ve just bought Eden Sounds VPI-TerraCones and have various footers available for motor and SDS, including Precision Couplers. I can’t play around at the moment as my Hovland HP100 pre-amp is in hospital awaiting replacement parts. But I can be prepared.
rateourmover
One additional thing I didn't mention. I use smaller black round Symposium Acoustics precision couplers with center dimple under each of the Edensound Bear Paws supporting the turntable.
The rim drive belt MUST be perfectly seated in groove of the rim drive to avoid out of true energy being transferred to the tonearm. Here is a little trick that rim drive users have used with great success.

Take the belt off the rim drive and take some fine metal polish and polish the rim drive groove in which the belt rest. Brasso metal polish works well.

Once polished, take some car wax and apply and polish the rim drive belt groove.

Take the rust colored belt and boil in water for 2 minutes. Dry the belt and reinstall back into the rim drive. Be careful not to twist the belt when reapplying.

Take a round metal or hard plastic object (a bic pen works well) and gentle run it over the belt to seat the O-ring into the groove.

FIRMLY position the rim drive against the platter with and run at 45rpm for 20 minutes.

After 20 minutes, readjust the rim drive so that it just touches the platter. As a measure of appropriate pressure, the platter should spin 2-3 time when the drive is turned off.

The polishing of the rim drive belt groove allows the belt to seat properly in the groove correctly.
I have a black platter(not the superplatter)on my SSC.Would upgrading to the classic platter make a substancial difference and in what way?

I also have the JMW9 signature arm, would moving up to the classic 3 arm be a significant upgrade.

Which upgrade would you do first, platter or tone arm?
Brf,
The platter doesn't appear to be acrylic.I would assume it's the Delrin.I see the ssc's now have the classic platter.