Another VPI or something else for under $2k
Since the Anna is unipivot arm, many of the good choices for the JMW tonearms (med. to high compliance) will also be good matches. The Anna arm has a higher effective mass, though, so a lighter cartridge than those you use on your VPI may be better. A Grado Sonata would be an excellent choice, I would think, as would a Lyra Dorian or an Audio Technica AT-0C9. Cheers. |
I got a butter pecan! picked up a Nottingham Hyperspace with Anna arm, thought I would only be able to get a 294 at that price point. Will see how this one pan out, I have always want to try a Nottingham after owning Oracle Delphi V, Clearaudio Champion L2, and Sota Star Sapphire before. Now which cartridge to mount on this 12" arm? |
I recently got an Acoustic Signature after a few years of owning a Scout. I found an original Final Tool and just ordered the new motor, pulley, and belt for it from Germany. Total came in right at $2k. I'm very impressed with the Final Tool, but the basic sound of this table is different than the VPI "house sound." I'd say VPI's sound very organically integrated and are designed to let you focus on the music first and think about audiophile concerns secondarily. The FInal Tool is a bit more analytical sounding, noticeably more revealing, and requires more effort in partnering with preamps and cartridges to fine tune the sound to your preference. Different approaches, both rewarding. |
I agree that butter pecan is the way to go. Strain out the pecans before damping your tonearm with it. Add a little to the main bearing to get a sweeter sound. Seriously though, you've got a VPI so try something else. I've often thought of getting a second TT (I also have the SSM Rim-Drive) and if I had... a lot of money I'd try - Teres a little money I'd try - Rega I'd really like to try the Grand Prix Monaco, but that would require a lot of money stacked on top of even more money. (The SSM Rim-Drive was a multi-year budget stretcher for poor me.) Cheers |
Thanks for the feedback. Frogman, a friend has a Linn and let me borrowed it for a few weeks, it was fun to hear a different flavor but ultimately I like my VPI. Cmalak, thanks for the link, I am very tempted. I once had a Champion L2 with SME IV.Vi, it was a bit flat sounding which seems to be the characteristic of acrylic. I know newer Clearaudio has moved away from acrylic so maybe it's time to consider them again. I have heard lots of good things about Acoustic Signature, I will also research more into it. |
Dedicated Audio has the Clearaudio Performance turntable bundle (with Satisfy tonearm and a Benz Silver cartridge) for $1995 (normally $3200). This is a brand new rig. Just fyi in case you were not aware of the deal. Here it is: http://www.dedicatedaudio.com/inc/sdetail/23367 |
I chose the Acoustic Signature Samba over the Scout two years ago and have been very satisfied. You should be able to find an original one for less than 1k and a Final Tool for less than 2k. The newer MkIIs are considerably more expensive. Samba Regards, Todd |
