Thoughts on VPI Classic Table

[joe1515]

I am upgrading my Pro-Ject Xpression III and I think VPI is the way to go. Any feedback on the Classic is appreciated. It is new and I have not ready any reviews yet, all the dealers and VPI rave about the table. From the limited I know it appears to be a great table for the price, $2,500 suggested retail.

Thanks.

[richteer]

Other turntables to consider in your price range are the Clearaudios and Regas. Oh, and the SOTAs! And don't forget further up Pro-Ject's own range.

VPI have a good reputation, so they're a fairly safe buy. But at this level I'd strongly recommend auditioning a few alternatives (including the VPI). It's one thing buy a $450 TT blind, but you're talking about 5 times that investment...

[joe1515]

Originally Posted by richteer

Other turntables to consider in your price range are the Clearaudios and Regas. Oh, and the SOTAs! And don't forget further up Pro-Ject's own range.

VPI have a good reputation, so they're a fairly safe buy. But at this level I'd strongly recommend auditioning a few alternatives (including the VPI). It's one thing buy a $450 TT blind, but you're talking about 5 times that investment...

I totally agree I am going to be testing out a few turntables in the next few months. I was also considering the Aries 3 or scoutmaster from VPI.

[joe1515]

Is it actually possible to tell which table is better by going to stores to test the demo tables? There are so many variables that would have to be exactlty the same. Same exact cartridge with the same usage, speakers, interconnects, etc..

[richteer]

Originally Posted by joe1515

Is it actually possible to tell which table is better by going to stores to test the demo tables? There are so many variables that would have to be exactlty the same. Same exact cartridge with the same usage, speakers, interconnects, etc..

Yes it is possible, but you have to minimise the number of variables. When I was buying my first TT many years ago, I asked my dealer to set up the two I'd shortlisted: a Roksan Xerxes and a Pink Triangle PT Too. They had the same arm and cartridge, and were played back thorugh the same system. It took me an hour or two to settle on the Roksan (although ironically, I now think the PT Too was the better of the two!).

These days, that might be more of a challenge!

Another alternative would be to try to arrange an in-home loan.