I also have a VPI Aries with a JMW12 tonearm. Unfortunately, it is the only TT I have had in my system so I can't make comparisons. However, I can comment that the same music sounds better on the Aries than my $14k Sonic Frontiers T3/P3 digital front end, esp guitars and symbols. Also, as Rec says, set and maintenance are a snap. That is the main reason I went with the Aries vs. TNT. I had enough in my budget for a TNT, but decided that vinyl is enough work already and I'd prefer to be listnening rather than twiddling. Enjoy.
