2. analog
  3. 1387983984

Project Xtension 12 or VPI Classic 3

Hello,
I am looking to get into vinyl and am a bit of a novice.
I have demo'd vinyl and loved the sound compared to digital.
I am considering 2 turntable / cartridge options at this time.
A Project 12 xtension with a Sumiko Celebration 2 Cartridge and a VPI Classic 3 with an Ortofon Cadenza Black Cartridge.
Is the VPI / Ortofon that much better?
I don't have the opportunity to demo that combination but have read great reviews.
Is it worth the addional cost?
Any suggestions would be appreciated.
I currently have Cremona M's, Conrad Johnson ET3 SE with Phono and Cary 500 MB Mono Blocks and my current source is a an Oppo 95
Thanks
pkelly1504
dweller's avatar
dweller
3,781 posts
 
I would ask if you know what a unipivot arm is?
A unipivot arm is packed in the Classic 3 box and is placed on top of the "bearing" which is like a heavy duty sewing needle pointing at the ceiling.
There it sits -serene and free-floating until you (or your child or cat) lifts it off its perch to do whatever.

I have a Classic 2 and was kind of shocked by the whole unipivot thing.
It does sound good, I must say, but has a certain precariousness about it.
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,384 posts
 
The Classic 3 is the better table by far. I have had a Scout with the unipivot arm for many years and it is excellent and very reliable.
zd542
5,339 posts
 
I've never had any problems with the unipivot design in my VPI TT's as well.

More importantly, though, the components that you are looking at are very expensive for someone who's just getting started with analog. Its pretty risky. What if you don't like what you buy?
downunder
1,329 posts
 
Why the different cartridges for turntable?

The Ortofon and Sumiko are very different sounding cartridges.
pkelly1504 OP
62 posts
 
Thanks for the responses.
I am aware that I am looking at expensive components however I feel that in the long run I will save money because I will not have the need to upgrade as I am possibly doing with my current speakers.
Regarding the cartridges I demo'd The Sumiko that came with The Project Table. A dealer highly recommended the Ortofon Cadenza Black and was offering a great price in a package deal.
Any other suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks
More to discover