I have an original, but updated TNT. If you have an original Aries, you have the acrylic-lead-aluminum platter. I would not change it for the current aluminum platter in any form. IMO, and that of many others, what you have is superior. I have two or three suggestions to improve your TT's performance. My guess is that with the older platter, the VPI ring weight is not a possibility. I highly recommend a TTW ring weight and a center weight. Another thing I would do is that I would either describe (or send a photo of) your bearing to VPI and ask if they had a later one (possibly even used) that would offer superior performance. They have a lot of old stuff lying around and it would not cost very much. That could make a very nice difference. Finally, and this would very much depend upon your setup and room, you might consider a softer suspension, either the VPI mini-feet or a squash ball suspension like Ginko--though you can very easily make it yourself.
Original VPI Aries vs VPI classic 3
I currently have an original Vpi Aries and it works just fine. I was just thinking about upgrading tables and I have been looking at the Vpi classic 3. I'm wondering if this is worth the upgrade. I can get around 1800.00 for my table so I'm looking at spending about 4000.00 to get the classic 3.