Opinions on the VPI - Aries 3 Turntable vs Classic 3 ...

Joe, you can read reviews and take recommendations until the cows come home. In the end I think it just comes down to a gut feeling you have about which one will make you happy. Of course there will be others down the road that will make you switch things out, but that happens with most everything. Use your head for research and your heart for the final decision. All will be revealed in the end.
 
Thanks Doug,

Without knowing too much and having seen most of the reviews, the Classic 3 in rosewood, rose (ha!) to the top. I am sure that this one is overkill for me, but you know how it goes. That first needle drop will be an exciting experience.


dlb2 said:
Joe, you can read reviews and take recommendations until the cows come home. In the end I think it just comes down to a gut feeling you have about which one will make you happy. Of course there will be others down the road that will make you switch things out, but that happens with most everything. Use your head for research and your heart for the final decision. All will be revealed in the end.
Click to expand...
 
Last edited:
Ive owned the original Aries which had the aluminum sandwiched platter and the original jmw 10 arm. I had upgraded the arm when the 10.5 came out and the mini TNT feet which are so much better and more sturdy than the spike feet.
I sold that and bought a used TNT 4 which was the most upgraded table at the time.
Not a whole lot of difference between the 2 only thing I can say is it might have been a little faster . I don't really know what faster means but that word stuck in my head when I thought of the comparison. I later on heard the TNT 6 which killed my 4. Was a serious table!!
When I started my new system couple years ago I went and bought a scout. When it came time
To upgrade I listened to the scoutmaster, Aries 3 , and the classic 1 and 3.
The Aries 3 was good but I don't like the acrylic platter. I asked if I could get the Aries 1 platter on it. Was IMO better than the scoutmaster and not any better than the classic 1.
Now these all had different cartridges but similar .
So I narrowed it down to the classic 1 or 3 . The sound difference between the 1 and 3 is definitely noticeable , but I felt that it wasnt $3000 better. So I bought the classic 1
If I did it again I would have bought the classic 2 to get the vta on the fly adjustment.
I think the classic 3 was the best looking table for sure. That extra beefy plinth and super shiny piano black. Just gorgeous. And that new wood finish is even nicer.

Now if you going to spend $6k on a classic 3 you need to call Jeff W and listen to the Merrill Williams r.e.a.l table with the Ortofon. Ta 110 rubber filled arm.
She's ugly!!!! I just heard one with an Ortofon cadenza black. Totally blew me away. its a better table than the classic 3 . And about $1000 more than the vpi. I'm gonna go start a thread on that table.
 
Thanks Petro,

I was told the same thing about the acrylic platter.

Hmmmm. The Merrill Williams seems very interesting.
 
Last edited:
Don't worry is not a lot to learn
Is only the music that will stick to you on your head
and will not let you hear again other thing than vinyl
 
And the classic 3 will blow your mind
Don't leave the SDS out, is worth it
You will have blacker background and the soundstage beyond the speakers
And of course, the control for 45 / 33 rpm
 
Thanks Jeff and Jeff,

I guess I'll be getting one of those too. :(
 
Joe,

Big congrats on your VPI TT and especially your entrance in the dark side.
Don't worry my friend. Analog takes time and patience. It is for sure a long path to follow and sometimes magic is missing just because of a very very tiny fault in the set up. But there is no mystery there, only science and physical rules.
You will be blessed and permanently amazed at how much better a good analog set up can sound compared to even the best digital playback unit available.
Good Analog systems will make you listen to much more music and with much more pleasure. You will finally stop listening to the gear itself. It is a wonderfully rewarding experience.
Enjoy in great health for 120 years buddy.
I am more than happy that you finally jumped in these waters. There are no sharks there !
 
I bought my Aries 3 X 3D arm last Feb and it came with the mini-HRX feet and classic platter. I was cross shopping the Aries vs Classic 3 and chose the Aries due to outboard motor setup. My dealer agreed the Aries was the best choice between the two tables. My Aries replaced a Rega P9/RB1000 arm.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top