Sonics of a VPI Aries Turntable

I also have a VPI Aries with a JMW12 tonearm. Unfortunately, it is the only TT I have had in my system so I can't make comparisons. However, I can comment that the same music sounds better on the Aries than my $14k Sonic Frontiers T3/P3 digital front end, esp guitars and symbols. Also, as Rec says, set and maintenance are a snap. That is the main reason I went with the Aries vs. TNT. I had enough in my budget for a TNT, but decided that vinyl is enough work already and I'd prefer to be listnening rather than twiddling. Enjoy.

I had a VPI Aries TT and 10" JMW (not the 10.5) with the VPI flywheel and PLC II and ClearAudio Gamma cartridge. The combination sounded good to me, but ultimately not good enough. I ended up selling the Aries and buying a Michell Gyro II, with an Origin Live Rega RB250 and a Benz Micro Ruby 2 cartridge. This combination is performing to a higher level and is more musically satisfying to my ears. However, it is quite possible that the Benz Ruby is responsible for much of the improvement I hear. The good thing about the VPIs is that parts and upgrades are plentiful and the company is comely and easy to deal with. I find the folks distributing the Michell gear to be less accessible and harder to deal with, but maybe that's just my perception. In any event, you can't go too far wrong with the Aries. If you go for the JMW arm, definitely buy the newer version; it is much more refined than the original. However the older arms can be updated -- for a price...

It's an excellent table with JMW 10" and the Ruby. Great sound and great value. I had the same problems with the Linn LP12 with suspension. I was wondering what Phono cables you found the best

Not to sound trite, but is it sonically "OK" to your ears? You are the final arbiter of what is to your musical taste, so audition thoroughly before purchase. As to my impressions, I listened to the Aries with JMW10/Sumiko SHO via an AR PH3, Jeff Rowland electronics and Proac 2.5 and Oscar Peterson was in the room for a time! A very good table at the price point, and some claim it's the least colored VPI. Enjoy, -John