Original VPI Aries vs VPI classic 3

I'm using the platter, arm, and feet from my Classic. :-)

Trust me.

Call them, and see if they have something in place for you to trade your table in and get what you want and for them to get what they want. They may even have a blemished one or something. Be positive.

M~

Curiously, what direction did you decide to go in?

I just decided to stay with the Aries. I think I can do better in my system with the 4k.

Good move. Harry recently told me that an Aries 1, like we have, would today be 8k to retail. He said it is as good as the Avenger. I have Ultra 5s attached to the plinth and Ultra Minis attached to the motor pod. Plus a 12" 3D arm. After living with this setup for a while, I decided against a TT upgrade all together. Only place left to go is to a uber $$ table and I don't feel at all compelled to do so.

John

I have an original, but updated TNT. If you have an original Aries, you have the acrylic-lead-aluminum platter. I would not change it for the current aluminum platter in any form. IMO, and that of many others, what you have is superior. I have two or three suggestions to improve your TT's performance. My guess is that with the older platter, the VPI ring weight is not a possibility. I highly recommend a TTW ring weight and a center weight. Another thing I would do is that I would either describe (or send a photo of) your bearing to VPI and ask if they had a later one (possibly even used) that would offer superior performance. They have a lot of old stuff lying around and it would not cost very much. That could make a very nice difference. Finally, and this would very much depend upon your setup and room, you might consider a softer suspension, either the VPI mini-feet or a squash ball suspension like Ginko--though you can very easily make it yourself.