VPI Classic 1 again

[waynefi]

2 things are different on this newer version of the Classic 1 I just got verse my first one last year.

One is the platter seems finished a little nicer, and it has the grooves on the side of the platter, for the belt to ride in I guess. They also make the platter look cool I think. The original one was smooth on the sides of the platter.

The black laminate on the top of the plinth seems more resiliant, more pliable, rubbery if you will. The original was a harder smoother material.

Just a few observations, I do like the platter look.

[waynefi]

Thought I'd throw one more picture in I took. The VPI Classic and a Classic by the Ventures and Sundazed Records.
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[airdronian]

The Classic looks great Wayne. Like the walnut. Sorry to go off topic, but what is the stand you use there ?

[waynefi]

The Classic looks great Wayne. Like the walnut. Sorry to go off topic, but what is the stand you use there ?

Thanks, the stand is made by Avia, which was a short lived deluxe product division of the old Chicago Speaker Stand Company, I believe out of business for awhile.This was the tall 6 shelf version. It is a nice , super heavy stand. The cross members are height adjustable, and are bolted to the welded side uprights with large allen head bolts, recessed inside.
Once setup, it is very solid. They had various options for it. But it was so expensive to make in the 90's, that they dropped the product, or raise the price higher then they thought they could sell it for. I bought it in the 90's sometime.

[pbda]

You're very welcome. When I got my Classic, the on-the-fly VTA adjustment was not available as a factory option. My Aries I has it, and I agree it is a very nice feature that I would like to add to my Classic someday.

I had VPI replace my tonearm with the on the fly VTA adjustable version and haven't looked back. Not a cheap upgrade, but a worthwhile one for me. I also had VPI replace the original walnut base with the newer one with the rounded edges.

Very happy with the Benz Glider on my unit; have heard good things about SoundSmith cartridges as well though haven't heard one on a Classic.

[naru1980]

Ok last year in a weak moment I sold my Classic 1 for a lot of reasons.

Now I have one back, with a Dyna 20x HO. I believe this is much easier to setup and sounds better then the Ortofon 2M Black in my previous Classic.

Hey there,

Noticed you have the Jolida Jd9. I just ordered the Classic 1 through Musicdirect, and it will arrive on Tuesday. I have the Jd9 as well, and was also looking at the Dyna 20x2. Is there any reason you chose the HO over the LO? Do you know if the Jd9 is sensitive enough to accommodate the LO? I, obviously, am more interested in that version of the 20x2.

Off topic, I'm making the switch from Rega to VPI with this purchase, and feeling pretty good about it! I love the fact that they're made in NJ, my home state. Jon at Musicdirect talked me into the Classic 1, when I was initially going for the RP6. It really makes sense to buy "local" when it comes to something in this pricerange.

[Tedrick]

Congrats on the Classic 1 purchase, and welcome to the VPI fold .

From what I could find, looks like the JD-9 has plenty of gain and enough loading options to work well with the DV-20X2L. Dynavector cartridges and VPI 'tables are known for their synergy, so should be a nice combo.

[naru1980]

Great, thanks for the reply. Still would like to hear waynefi's input though, on his choice of the HO version.

Also, after some consideration I might make the step up to the Karat 17D3 over the 20x2. They're so close in price, I think it could be worth it. Does anyone have an opinion on the 17D3?

[Tedrick]

Yes, I have one, in addition to an older DV20XL. The Karat is better, for sure...very neutral sound (i.e. neither warm nor analytical) that is more refined, with better detail retrieval, finesse, separation of instruments, and frequency extension (esp. bass) than the 20XL.

[dixlon]

Hi Wayne,

Hope all is well. Wanted to see if you still love your Classic 1?
I'm thinking of buying the classic 3 and mating it with Lyra Delos cart.
I have a couple of questions about the classic that you may have the answers to.

1. The on-the-fly adjustable VTA I can adjust the VTA for all 140,180 and 200 vinyl records I own. I can just set the recorded VTA for what record weight I play correct? If adjusted correctly it won't hurt the cart?

2. Is the center weight and outer edge ring a must haves since they really lock down the soundstage and can I use it for records that are not warped?

3. Do I need to buy the SDS to better control the speed?

Thanks for your help.

Kirk

[Tedrick]

Hi Wayne,

Hope all is well. Wanted to see if you still love your Classic 1?
I'm thinking of buying the classic 3 and mating it with Lyra Delos cart.
I have a couple of questions about the classic that you may have the answers to.

1. The on-the-fly adjustable VTA I can adjust the VTA for all 140,180 and 200 vinyl records I own. I can just set the recorded VTA for what record weight I play correct? If adjusted correctly it won't hurt the cart?

2. Is the center weight and outer edge ring a must haves since they really lock down the soundstage and can I use it for records that are not warped?

3. Do I need to buy the SDS to better control the speed?

Thanks for your help.

Kirk

Classic/Delos combo is a good one. I'm using a Delos on my Classic I and love it.

Regarding your questions:

1) Yes, the on-the-fly VTA adjustment knob has a vernier scale on it so that you can record the settings for each thickness of record. It does not hurt the cartridge to adjust VTA during play. Too high or too low VTA will not harm the cartridge, either, but it can certainly affect the sound. What you will probably find is that you'll settle on 1 VTA setting that works well for most of your records.

2) The HRX weight and the periphery ring-clamp are included as standard equipment with the Classic 3. The ring-clamp is not entirely necessary, but the center clamp is. VPI 'platters are optimized to work with a center clamp or weight of some kind to couple the record to the platter. The HRX stainless steel weight is nice, but personally I prefer the 2.3 lb. brass screw-down clamp from TTWeights on my VPI 'tables. The 'table will play and sound fine without the ring clamp, but its primary functions are to give the last degree of coupling of record and platter and, in conjunction with the HRX weight, to add more rotating mass to the platter to improve speed stability. The ring clamp is also very effective at flattening edge-warps. I use a ring-clamp on my Classic I. Since the Classic 3 comes with the ring clamp, I would certainly use it. And Yes, you can most certainly use the weight and clamp on records that are not warped.

3) The SDS is not necessary with the Classic 'tables unless you are just completely anal about the last little nth degree of speed accuracy. I don't use one with my Classic I, but I do use an SDS with my VPI Aries I 'table.

[dixlon]

Classic/Delos combo is a good one. I'm using a Delos on my Classic I and love it.

Regarding your questions:

1) Yes, the on-the-fly VTA adjustment knob has a vernier scale on it so that you can record the settings for each thickness of record. It does not hurt the cartridge to adjust VTA during play. Too high or too low VTA will not harm the cartridge, either, but it can certainly affect the sound. What you will probably find is that you'll settle on 1 VTA setting that works well for most of your records.

2) The HRX weight and the periphery ring-clamp are included as standard equipment with the Classic 3. The ring-clamp is not entirely necessary, but the center clamp is. VPI 'platters are optimized to work with a center clamp or weight of some kind to couple the record to the platter. The HRX stainless steel weight is nice, but personally I prefer the 2.3 lb. brass screw-down clamp from TTWeights on my VPI 'tables. The 'table will play and sound fine without the ring clamp, but its primary functions are to give the last degree of coupling of record and platter and, in conjunction with the HRX weight, to add more rotating mass to the platter to improve speed stability. The ring clamp is also very effective at flattening edge-warps. I use a ring-clamp on my Classic I. Since the Classic 3 comes with the ring clamp, I would certainly use it. And Yes, you can most certainly use the weight and clamp on records that are not warped.

3) The SDS is not necessary with the Classic 'tables unless you are just completely anal about the last little nth degree of speed accuracy. I don't use one with my Classic I, but I do use an SDS with my VPI Aries I 'table.
Tedrick
contributor

Thanks Tedrick for the advice. Should I invest in a maple platform for my turntable. I have a tempered glass rack.
Regards,
Kirk

[Tedrick]

Thanks Tedrick for the advice. Should I invest in a maple platform for my turntable. I have a tempered glass rack.
Regards,
Kirk

I think it'a a good idea; glass (and granite, too) rings like a bell and is definitely not the ideal material on which to install a 'table. My Classic I is sitting on a 3" maple cutting block that is itself resting on five 3"x3" neoprene rubber/cork isolation blocks. The good news is that you don't have to break the bank to do this. You can get a 21"x18"x3" maple block from seller dawnsplatforms for $140 on Audiogon (there are other sizes, too). Do a search for 'maple' on Audiogon and look for listings with "Michigan Maple Block" in the title. Four 2"x2" Isoblocks cost $40 from Mapleshade. If you can wait until I get home this evening, I have a source for the isoblocks that is much cheaper than Mapleshade.

[naru1980]

I'd love to hear about the alternate source for the isoblocks.