Good, better, best. VPI Classic 1 accessories and upgrades.


The time has come! Here and now. The venerable Thorens VN-150 (Vinyl nirvana gussied up) Is going to be replaced with a VPI classic 1. Vinyl Nirvana, I like that…
The available accessories and upgrades are being bandied about and I'm interested in which ones you more experienced VPI owners would recommend. The HRX center weight and dustcover are on my must-have list with these others as maybes:
HRX ring peripheral weight
HRX feet
SDS
3D tonearm

Look forward to your input and Enjoy the tunes!
budburma
thanks for that. That's a pricey item, but I will look into it. I understand from reading that the speed is very stable on this table.
You did list it as one of your upgrade choices and it does make a nice difference. I would say that if you have a line conditioner that regenerates, like a PS Audio P500, maybe go with a different upgrade. If not, the quality of your AC will effect the speed even though they use a very good motor. I don't know of anyone that ever regretted buying one. Maybe your dealer can lend you one to try. Either way, you won't be disappointed with the Classic 1.
It's a great suggestion and I appreciated very much. I do have a very stable power, but will look into the SDS all the same.
I would suggest taking a look at the VPI forum. Go to the VPI website and click on the forum. It's quite active and your table and upgrades have been discussed a lot. My experience is the weight and peripheral ring work as a team and really help flatten records and the ring adds some inertia to the platter. If you are not getting the ring then the screw down clamp is better. The SDS is a great upgrade for most of their tables, but I believe the Classic line has a simplified version of the SDS built in. Don't quote me on that, might be just the Classic 3, but the thread discussing is in the forum. The feet are a very minor change, some folks like 'em others say no change. The 3D arm is an interesting topic, most folks like it, but it has a different sound, not necessairly a better sound. The arm is the most expensive upgrade so keep that in mind. For reference, I have the weight, the ring, the feet, and the SDS for my Aries and I don't regret any of 'em! The 3D arm is a little too pricey for me, I've got the 12" arm.
Why not go with the VPI Prime that just came out recently? I think both Matt and Harry Weinstein of VPI would recommend it over the Classic 1 and Classic 2. I believe the VPI owner would take the Prime over everything until you get to the Classic 3. It seems a much better value, including the 3D printed tone arm. Though if you like the look of the Classic then it seems like a no brainer for you.