|
Audio Asylum Thread Printer Get a view of an entire thread on one page |
For Sale Ads |
99.40.0.14
Have a VPI Classic (1st version), Art Audio Vinyl One, and SS Aida cartridge which I'm using while my Dynavector XX 2 MkII gets rebuilt.
Hoping to upgrade and wish to obtain them in the order of the greatest sonic benefits. Here's what I've come up with: 1) Outer ring clamp and maybe with stainless steel clamp (both needed? don't play many warped or badly warped records); 2) sds; 3)silver breeze interconnect to replace vpi interconnect.
What would your upgrade recommendations be? In what sonic order? Is the sds necessary with the Classic?
Thanks,
Mvj
Follow Ups:
When I had a VPI (HW 19 IV with lots of upgrades); the two I would recommend was the SAMA and SDS (in that order). It's been a while since I have been in the VPI world (and a great world it is); but I'd agree that SDS is in the top. I probably wouldn't advocate SAMA if you have a Gingko or something to isolate the plateau that the motor rests on (some used to use mousepads under the pod and that shows a difference.
VPI's (from my experience) love three things:
1. Stable power rails (SDS connected to PS Audio is the dream)
2. Solid, heavy stands (sand/lead inside a rack is a great idea)
3. Detail-oriented 'extras'. The VPI is a warm, musical table line overall and to get 'inside' the recordings...focus on detail-oriented accessories -- such as silver tonearm cables, detailed cartridges (such as Dynavector Karat, 'the' OC-9, Lyra's, SoundSmith's carts (and his rebuild of carts), etc.)
Have fun with this table.....it will tell you the truth even if you hate the answer.
Marty N.
I'm not familiar with the Silver Breeze phono IC but you can do better than the VPI IC IMO. The SDS not only maintains speed but also cleans the power going to the motor so if you have good power conditioning, you may not hear much benefit, if not, the SDS will be a noticeable improvement.
The Black Diamond one-piece carbon fibre clamp, if you can find one, makes a dramatic improvement.
Isn’t the classic fairly speed stable? I think I’ve heard it’s more stable than the scout. I think I also read something from HW about the ring clamp being a better first than the sds on the classic. Maybe someone else remembers that post from this forum or another.
If you’re having speed stability issues (check with a good strobe setup like the KAB) and the associated sound effects with the table or your electrical supply the sds helps eliminate that. It gives very accurate speed, lowers the voltage to the motor, makes switching speeds easy and can even keep track of the hours on the cartridge. I think I read somewhere that with the classic you might need to change a cap in the motor to use the sds……also again use a good strobe setup when setting the sds.
The ring clamp and center weight are going to give you a blacker background for more detail and help with speed stability. It also helps to eliminate the sound problems warps can cause.
HW did mentioned what you said that the ring is the upgrade to get. I got all three and wasn't stunned by any of them. The Classic I is a fine table like it is. To me the upgrades were not worth the money, but I'm glad I have them. I know this is not making any sense. But by having them, I can take my time and see which one I really need. The ring is good for warped records and it does add a bit of detail, but I think that the table sounds great as it is. As for the SDS, I really can't tell what's it doing, if anything. But it looks cool :-). Uhh, no I'm not going to get rid of any of them. I just like having them. If I knew what I know now, I would have dumped that extra money into an extra arm wand. Now that's the upgrade to get.
M~
Since I was looking for what more pitch stability would give the sound I used acoustic instruments, especially piano, to help see what differences the sds made in my system...but with a scout not a classic. In my system it made a positive difference and with the other benefits I wrote about made it worthwhile for me.
"I know this is not making any sense.".....yeah i know the feeling but with camera equipment :)
I wasn't disagreeing with you, because I don't know anything about your system. But the pitch and speed of the Classic is spot on without the SDS. I also use the piano, to determine pitch problems or lack of.
M~
didn't think you were disagreeing just clarifying and maybe giving the op something to think about when listening...as your posts have also done
I haven't tried SDS or the interconnect you mention. That said, I have reliable information that the SDS changes the sound laterally-long term you are not likely to appreciate a benefit, just a change. The single biggest improvement I have noticed is perfect alignment and azimuth with a Mint LP protractor and Fozgometer and USB microscope. Next would be changing the stock feet with heavy brass Bearpaws. Third would be a periphery ring (I bought one from TT Weights). Be mindful that at least in theory, the periphery ring does more than simply flatten the record-it absorbs energy that is transmitted from the vibrations of the stylus in the groove, even if the record is perfectly flat. While I have a rather heavy center weight also from TT Weights, at least with my set-up, I like the sound better with just the periphery ring and no center weight-it sounds more airy, natural, and relaxed to me.
In order, SDS, outer ring, weight, tonearm cable. If only one, SDS.
-Wendell
The SDS is the upgrade to get, especially if only one is done. I was stunned at the improvement it made with my Scout. It will do the same with the Classic, no doubt. Plus the convenience of electronic speed change and a counter for stylus hours and it's a no-brainer, even if pricey.
Opus 104
I mostly agree with this as I'm being to like the table with just the standard clamp and the SDS. The ring shows it worth when you are playing a warped record. I'm still trying to settle on whether it sounds better without the ring. I can't seem to make up my mind.
M~
Post a Followup:
FAQ |
Post a Message! |
Forgot Password? |
|
||||||||||||||
|
This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors: