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

The nice thing about a VPI is the upgradeability. The bad thing about a VPI is the upgradeability.

You need to understand they ain't cheap, and the better ones are more expensive. The sds, platter and motor are each a grand or more. You need those. Start saving. then the ring & weight. Now the arm. Sweet rig. Good things cost money.

If you're getting the LATEST model, you can't use the SDS.
It's updated with a 600rpm DC motor. If you want to use the SDS the motor is replaced with the 300 rpm AC motor,along with the pulley.

I have the latest model. If I feel like tweaking my table, I will do the mod along with the Phoenix Roadrunner setup.Just as accurate as the VPI for less.

My table is on brass footers(Mapleshade)which rests on a 4" maple slab.

IMO, I would spend as much you can tolerate cart wise.
Also,the table is worthy of being plugged into a phono stage equal to its retail. Mine is the Fosgate tubed.

I think you should spring for the 3d arm first. I purchased one for my Classic 3 and could not be happier.

With the Classic's fixed motor I don't think you really need the SDS.

Fremer's review says the speed is very accurate.

Already mentioned but if you have a newer one with the 600rpm motor you can't use the SDS; it has a simplified version of SDS built in. I measured mine using the platter speed app/AP test record (mildly warped!) and indeed it is very accurate.

I would get the 3D arm first. This is going to make the biggest sonic difference. Unfortunately, it is also the most expensive.

After that I feel the ring/HRX weight is next best. I have them on mine and feel the improve things, especially with not quite flat or very thin pieces of vinyl.

All your inputs are helpful and on the money. After a little more due diligence, I also see that the SDS is likely unnecessary with the new Classic. A fair amount of my record collection is aged nicely (like me!), so the periphery weight seems like a good first step.

The Soundsmith Zephyr looks like a good place to start as a cartridge.

The 3D arm is definitley pricey, but may be worth the price. What are the improvements/differences you hear with it?

I recently sold my extra EdenSound BearPaws, but think that a wall mounted myrtlewood shelf will provide good isolation....