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

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.

I suggest also that you look at the VPI Prime. Also, you might consider a less expensive PSU than the SDS, perhaps the Falcon. The center weight is meant to work with the peripheral weight. If you're not getting the latter, you would be better off with the center clamp.

Thanks for all of this. I can't really consider the prime as it's just not my style. I really like the look of the classic. That said, I will look into whether a version of the SDS is actually include in the classic one construction. There are a few SDS around for sale at a reasonable prices, so that would be an easily attainable upgrade.

The VPI forum is an excellent resource. It looks like HW was actually enjoying ortofon cartridges! I have already picked up my dustcover and a Soundsmith Zephyr to get started....The Ortofon bronze looks like an excellent match for my sonic tastes, but beyond my reach at this point. And, a different thread it all together!

It does look like there are other combinations of speed control that might be equally effective and less expensive.