VPI Aries 3 Questions - Looking to make a switch

VPI for VPI, you'd lose an isolated motor and your speed controller, which both contribute to better SQ, and are offered on most of their best tables. The xlr junction box could easily be installed on the Classic3, and is worth the effort IMHE.

You don't mention which tonearm, but VPI made a number od changes during the period you're looking at. 3D is an improement, as are the better mounting method that took place between 12.6 and 12.7 (similar probably happened on the shorter arms).

No first-hand experience with AMG. 

Any consideration to Sota? Small footprint, vacuum beats the periphery clamp imho, stable, full suspension beats the vpi feet and size needed to isolate the motor. Also plentiful upgrade path like you have leveraged. I won't go back to VPI fwiw. 

Cheers,

Spencer

 To me you have to spend a lot more on a sprung table to get the same sound quality

A bit more, maybe, but not much more. My Sota Nova VI w/vacuum costs $5700 without arm. Arms comparable to most JMWs can be had for <$1500, IMHO. They can provide armboards for almost anything you need.

Vs. my TNT6-HR (basically an HRX with 1 layer plinth instead of aluminum sandwich), the Sprung Sota is quieter, more dynamic. But take it with a grain of salt, because arm & cart differences come into play too. Tough to find comparisons limited to one variable! Cheers,

Spencer

Phoenix now licenses their tech to Sota. Sota's Eclipse and Roadrunner are the Phoenix controller & tachometer. 

Many VPI owners have added the Phoenix controllers. Sota can help you even if you are looking to add it to VPI. Cheers,

Spencer