VPI Aries - either or question, please comment

I agree with Plato that you would be better off with the 9" arm and the TT improvements. The TT/motor assembly is higher on the analog hierarchy scale, and will make more difference than the longer arm will.

The only differences that the longer arm makes is an extremely slight reduction in tracking error, and slightly higher mass that may be a better match with certain cartridges.

But Plato, how did the HR-X sound?

Hi Gladstone,

As to the sound of the HR-X, that's a more complicated question than it appears on the surface. It was dynamic and extended, and the midrange character appeared to be correct (neutral). The soundstage was expansive, especially with the Manley Steelhead. One record we played had a great drum solo and the HR-X delivered the goods with great impact, weight, and articulation.

Since the system (as a whole) was unfamiliar to me, I really can't get into the fine nuances of performance. But my off-the-cuff impression is that it's a reference quality TT that should be compared with the other top-quality designs in and around it's price range.

I would've liked to have compared it to my Michell Orbe SE with Wilson Benesch arm in my own system. I didn't hear anything from the HR-X that would indicate it was doing anything better than my rig. But with so many different variables in equipment and room acoustics it was not really possible to make that determination. Cheers!

I personally went with your option 2. I spoke to VPI extensively before making the decision. The new Aries 2 is better than Aries 1 with SDS, but you can still benefit from SDS which should yield better pace and bass. JMW 9 is more rigidly coupled to the base than JMW10/12 because there is no on-the-fly VTA. That rigidity translates to more details and ambience. Also, the bearing and low counter weight (standard on newest JMW9) make JMW9 the best sounding arm in the JMW family. This is not my word, this is from VPI. If you tweak the arm further by some resonance control device and replacing the internal wires, you will have a world class arm at a very low price.

BTW, Aries + JMW9 is called Aries Black Knight.

thanks for all the answers so far.

SEMI, please help me understand; you mention an 'Aries 1' and an 'Aries 2.' i didn't know there was a distinction. let's assume i'd be purchasing the latest version. does VPI really think that the 9" is a better arm than their more expensive 10" arm?

I just found a dealer that has a low enough price on the aries that my options are no longer the 10" arm and NO SDS or the cheaper 9" arm with the SDS but now in both cases I can afford the SDS. so what seemed to be a no brainer before (ie that the 10" arm was clearly superior to the 9" arm) has me confused as usual.

so, with the SDS in either case, would you still prefer the 9" to the 10"?

thanks for your help.