Picked up my new VPI table...question - Eflatminor

Had to let go of the old Nottingham Analogue Mentor; sorry to see it go but its days were over. Just took possession of a new VPI Scout with the larger platter, the 300rpm motor, and the large ring that fits over the platter (and over a record if you like). There's also a matching center weight. I also got the SDS line amp.

Instead of buying a new VPI arm, I decided to save some money by having my Graham 2.0 mounted on the VPI. It seems to be working okay. I have a new Benz Micro Ruby 3 mounted, which replaced my original Ruby - it's still breaking in.

Re the sound, it's all still a bit new to my ears and with the cartridge still breaking in, I'm not ready to render a final decision but I think I'll be happy with this table. The sound is more "hi fi" than the Nottingham. That is, better definition, a sharper image, wider soundstage, etc. The bottom end on the Nottingham was unbeatable and I don't think the VPI will ever match it but what I really missed was the 'dance factor'. The Nottingham was soooo musical. The VPI is getting there but I noticed the difference at first. By last night, I had 25 hours on the new cartridge and found myself totally lost in the music for the first time. That's a good sign.

One question for anyone with this VPI table and platter ring: When I put the ring OVER a record, I can't use the tonearm lifter to place the needle in the start groove. When I do, it lurches towards the ring, as though it was attracted by a magnet. I about freaked out the first time this happened, imagining a severed stylus. I have to lower the arm by hand (or more appropriately, by finger) to avoid having it lurch towards the metal ring. Anyone else have this problem or is it a factor of using a Graham arm with the VPI table? Any thoughts are greatly appreciated.