new review of the VPI Classic that just came out on The Audio Beat (new audio website from Marck Mickelson, former editor at Soundstage.com, and Paul Bolin, formerly of Stereophile). Review emphasizes the Classic's rythmic and timing stability and dynamic presentation. Interesting review. Here it is: http://www.theaudiobeat.com/equipment/vpi_classic.htm |
It's interesting how audiophiles have become conditioned to assign credibility to a product by it's price tag. Why don't you let Harry Weisfeld worry about how he prices his product and determine for yourself whether the VPI Classic is a good table or not by the merits of how it performs in your system. That may be difficult for many who do not have options to audition it locally but all the more reason to listen to user feedback on forums such as these. As Macdadtexas said, this pricing strategy could indeed canibalize some sales from higher priced offerings at VPI but I suspect that VPI sells many fewer units of those items and if this table indeed delivers on perceived value than the pick up in volume (and the resulting scale in costs) could prove to be a very profitable strategy for VPI at this price point. There are many ways to skin a cat. Assess the table on what it can do and not on how it is priced. And if demand indeed picks up significantly (as it seems to be doing) than, as Macdadtexas said, don't expect The Classic to sell for $2,500 for much longer. My 2cents worth. |
Good question. I do think it's unfair to compare the Classic to the raven AC, but the way I think about it, is if the Classic tt + modified JMW 10.5 arm's primary strength is PRaT, then one should look for cart and phono stage that lends more emphasis to midrange tonality and textural timbres (maybe Koetsu, Benz, etc...). This is where system matching becomes the key to 'voicing' the entire tt system. |
And another review from Hifi+: http://www.avguide.com/review/hifi-plus-68-the-vpi-classic-turntable |
