VPI Aries with non-VPI arm

Max ... I truly understand your anxiety about the VPI uni-pivot arm. I own a VPI Classic, which comes with the uni-pivot arm. First couple of set-ups, ... I was a nervous wreck. Same questions and concerns you had.

At this point ... it takes me about 20 minutes to mount a cartridge. I have a Soundsmith CounterIntuitive (or something like that) which makes azimuth and VTF adjustments very easy and repeatable. The gizmo costs about $50 or $60. In fact ... it's almost ... fun???

I have a pretty high end cartridge, the Lyra Kleos. IMO, the Kleos tracks very well on the Classic wand.

But look, if you really get the itches thinking about the VPI uni-pivot, I think you might be able to swap it out for a VPI fixed gimbel arm.

If you have any continuing interest, call Mike or Jack at VPI. They are great guys and can clear up any questions you may have.

Best,

Bruce

Bruce,
Thanks for the input.
The 3D arm differs from the JMW 9T in a few ways:
The 3D's counterweight relies on the friction fit of rubber "O" rings to keep it in place. It doesn't have the set screw of the old arm. Minor adjustments are very difficult. Moving the counterweight back to front can cause it to rotate around the axis of the arm. You essentially need to set the azimuth & tracking force at the same time.
The good news: the Soundsmith gizmo comes standard on the 3D.

I'm using the Kleos as well. In my system, the cartridge is revealing without being clinical.

The fiddly nature of the uni-pivot arm was OK with me at the $2.5K price point of the Scout/9T combo. At about $10K for the Aries/3D rig, I'm not so pleased.

Tdaudio,
Thanks for the info.
I think I'm jumping the VPI ship. I'm going to trade the whole rig: the new Aries/3D combo with SS Clamp, Outer-ring, and SDS drive.
I'll be shopping the audio shows soon.
Considering a TW Raven One with a Tri-Planar arm.

It's a shame that VPI doesn't make an armless table anymore. You should check out the Sota line,they still do.

Maxh,
The Soundsmith Counter-intuitive comes standard on 3D arms (Aries)? Both 10.5" & 12" arms? I assume your $10K rig is with the 12" 3D. I am considering moving from my Rega P9/Lyra Delos to a VPI Aries 3D (10.5") with a Ortofon Cadenza Black cartridge.