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General VPI Question

108.0.209.122
Posted on November 25, 2015 at 13:58:34
Joe Backer
Audiophile

Posts: 1033
Joined: July 10, 2011
 Could someone describe how a VPI Aries 1/JMW 10 arm might sound different than something like a well setup LP12 or Well Tempered Amadeus? I've never had the chance to hear a VPI table and I've inherited part of my uncle's system (which is across the country) and I'm trying to decide whether to sell the VPI to someone there or ship it here and use it.

Thanks in advance for your answers.

 

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RE: General VPI Question, posted on November 25, 2015 at 14:05:05
gkirkos
Audiophile

Posts: 201
Location: Seattle
Joined: February 6, 2015
 I have a ScoutMaster, not an Aries, but I've had other tables and would characterize the VPI sound as big, controlled, solid bass, not particularly warm, true to the source, uncolored & neutral.
Controlled is probably the most dominant trait, and with that lots of
inner detail and layers. I have a Soundsmith Cartridge, so some of those traits may be the cart. I've also had Clearaudio and Lyra carts on the VPI.

It will be interesting what level of agreement ensues.

 

RE: General VPI Question, posted on November 25, 2015 at 14:59:28
vinyl survivor
Audiophile

Posts: 1471
Location: Southeastern US
Joined: November 28, 2007
 If you are a fan of the well tempered, it may not be your cup of tea.

 

Very different from an LP12..., posted on November 25, 2015 at 15:17:53
kuma
Audiophile

Posts: 10272
Location: IN
Joined: July 8, 2001
 so its worth varies by your sonic preference and priorities.

 

I agree...., posted on November 25, 2015 at 15:33:38
BPoletti
Audiophile

Posts: 931
Location: Midwest
Joined: October 3, 2010
 I have an Aries 1 Extended with a JMW-12 arm, one of the first "Extended" models made. It has a SuperPlatter that I think was standard on the Extended version, not sure about the standard version (a question for Harry/HW). This particular table was used by a manufacturer who took it as a demo source for his line of electronics for maybe 15 years. It has a lot of miles and still sounds great, like new.

I've used it with a Lyra Clavis da Capo and currently an AT OC9/II. I agree with the comments by gkirkos about the ScoutMaster. I would also add that the table seems to pretty much disappear most of the time. It is good enough to be able to clearly distinguish the most subtle differences in cartridges and records.

My top listening preferences include imaging and soundstage. I have never felt that the table got in the way of presenting a quiet, but large and busy soundstage with very precise 3-dimensional imaging (if it was recorded properly). The original venue is presented as it was recorded.

 

RE: Very different from an LP12..., posted on November 25, 2015 at 15:35:07
BPoletti
Audiophile

Posts: 931
Location: Midwest
Joined: October 3, 2010
 In my opinion, comparison to a VPI Aries 1, the LP-12 is significantly colored and it's flaws are immediately apparent. The Aries is in a completely different league leaving the Linn in the dust of ancient history.

 

Take the Aries, posted on November 25, 2015 at 15:46:41
BPoletti
Audiophile

Posts: 931
Location: Midwest
Joined: October 3, 2010
 Grab the Aries. It's definitely worth more than it will get sold second hand. In my studied opinion, it far outperforms the Linn or the Well Tempered.



 

Funny..., posted on November 25, 2015 at 16:03:28
DeKay
 Four years ago you didn't grasp the difference between a 9"/12" arm.

Hope you studied hard.

 

RE: I agree...., posted on November 25, 2015 at 16:05:26
WntrMute2
Audiophile

Posts: 782
Location: Detroit
Joined: September 16, 2002
 I have a HW-19 and a TNT. I've listened to Linns of various types. The VPIs sound rock stable and unflappable with well grounded bass and stable sounding speed. This is compared to the Linns which in general have lots of detail but never seem as "grounded" Now the Aries is a non-suspended table while mine have at least some suspension. I'd snap up that Aries, you'll love although it will be a different sound for sure!

 

Accepted wisdom, posted on November 25, 2015 at 16:09:45
teenage diplomat
Audiophile

Posts: 896
Location: burke, va usa
Joined: February 3, 2001
 The often reported view of older VPI TNT series 'tables and those derived from them was that they tended towards a softer, more rounded sound that sacrificed a bit of PRaT for an overall ease of presentation. On the other hand, early Lynn 'tables were often praised for PRaT but knocked for a somewhat thinner, less weighty sound. I've owned 4 VPI tables and if I had to make your choice, I'd take the Ares 1. If you mate it with a fast MC known for good transient response, you should have a winner. Good luck.

 

RE: Funny..., posted on November 25, 2015 at 16:23:11
BPoletti
Audiophile

Posts: 931
Location: Midwest
Joined: October 3, 2010
 Always depends on the arm.

 

Hopefully you will replace Jeff Day some day? NT, posted on November 25, 2015 at 16:38:17
DeKay
 .

 

RE: General VPI Question, posted on November 25, 2015 at 17:02:19
Willis
Audiophile

Posts: 154
Location: North Carolina
Joined: October 6, 2001
 I have one of the first twenty of the Aries and I have upgraded the platter, bearing, and feet. VPI has some of the best customer service in the business. After you set up the TT you don't have to overhaul it every few months as is common with others. Highest recommendation.

Willis

 

Thanks Everyone!!, posted on November 25, 2015 at 17:28:51
Joe Backer
Audiophile

Posts: 1033
Joined: July 10, 2011
 Very helpful.

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

or..., posted on November 25, 2015 at 18:59:29
BPoletti
Audiophile

Posts: 931
Location: Midwest
Joined: October 3, 2010
 You could be replaced by a significantly more intelligent clothing mannequin.

 

More intelligent than JD?..., posted on November 25, 2015 at 20:34:22
DeKay
 Surely you jest.

 

I never jest..., posted on November 25, 2015 at 20:42:46
BPoletti
Audiophile

Posts: 931
Location: Midwest
Joined: October 3, 2010
 and don't call me Shirley.

 

Your nightmare listening room..., posted on November 26, 2015 at 01:11:03
kuma
Audiophile

Posts: 10272
Location: IN
Joined: July 8, 2001
:D

 

RE: Your nightmare listening room..., posted on November 26, 2015 at 20:03:37
BPoletti
Audiophile

Posts: 931
Location: Midwest
Joined: October 3, 2010
 LOL!! Now that's funny.

 

RE: Thanks Everyone!!, posted on November 27, 2015 at 16:36:23
vinyl survivor
Audiophile

Posts: 1471
Location: Southeastern US
Joined: November 28, 2007
 Joe,
Can you send me an email? I have a question and see you don't except unsolicited e-mail.
Thanks,
Scott

 

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