Why haven't we heard more about HR-X???

Rick,

I was familiar with and liked the Graham arm from my preceding turntable, and it has been my impression that it is a better arm than the JMW in its several iterations. Without having had the JMW, this was just a guess on my part, derived from reading reviews and talking to people.

I respected the engineering thought and sophistication of the Graham arm, as well as the HR-X. I thought they would be a good match. One thing that has always held me up on the JMW arm is the application of antiskating force through the torque on the signal leads. I suppose it works fine, but it never struck me as a solution that a thorough engineer would come up with. (I know, that's harsh.) It made me less comfortable with the design of the rest of the arm. Just my personal bias -- but hey it's my money.

I'm used to picking arms separately from tables, just like picking a phono preamp is a separate decision from picking the line preamp (for me).

At first, I thought I would also ask for a spring suspension instead of the HR-X's airbags. After some thought and talking with my dealer about the advantages of airbags versus springs, I gave it up and went with the stock airbags. Accordingly, the only custom part of my HR-X is the arm and its mount. VPI was kind enough to fabricate a mount to fit the Graham arm, which obviously wouldn't work with the bigger, stock JMW arm. By the way, I don't have the VPI dustcover, but I have a very nice one made by Vinh Vu of Gingko Audio (what a great guy). It all sounds great. Sorry for rambling.

I wonder why anyone would care what pseudo-intellectual gas bags in Stereophile or other magazines would recommend. Aside from being unemployed DJs, I'm not aware of any credentials that they have in terms of turntable or electronic design. Just my personal opinion. Audiophiles should listen for themselves and not depend upon fickle, "professional" reviewers. I would trust the opinion of one of the Audiogon regulars over a magazine reviewer almost every time.

There were two HR-X turntables at HE2003 in SF last year, and both sounded divine. As Jond said, HiFi+ loved the unit and that magazine has a lot street cred. Still, I am surprised that TAS hasn't had a look at one. Stereophile? - the other posters have summed up the situation very well.

Regards,

didn't hp comment something about it I remember reading it in tas it was a positive comment?

So much said here!! Boy I'm starting to wonder what response I would get if the question was asked...."comparing three tables...the VPI HR-X ..... the Basis 2500 (with or without vacuum) ..the SME 20.....which one is best?"

I assume all are very good. However, which one is the a better match/mate for the arm? For instance, the VPI makes the table and the arm, so does SME, and so does the Basis (however the Graham arm is made by someone else). Is it better to go with the same company for table/arm? I have always felt that the VPI/SME/Basis are great tables.....however, I have also felt the Graham ( made by Bob Graham and NOT Bill Conti) is a better arm then the VPI and the SME (I can't explain why). Is it best to go with the better table.....then chooses the arm (no matter the manufacturer)? Or stay with the same company for table and arm?