VPI Aries vs. VPI TNT III


My 12 year old Sota Saphire will not hold a steady speed anymore, and I've got the bug to upgrade. How do you folks compare the Aries to the TNT III? Is the TNT worth the extra money if bought used? I'm willing to pay a little more for a meaningful improvement. The reviews I've seen say that recordings that are old and not well recorded are unlistenable on the Aries. I highly value musicality. Thanks.
martingabeleb5c

Showing 1 response by sknnyc

I have a TNT version 2.5 (close to III) and it's been nothing but steady over the short while that I've had it. Once it was set up, it remained set up. Currently using the 10.5 arm and an AT-OC9 (anyone have a good cartridge recommendation). I would highly suggest that you consider getting either a Seismic Sink or a Bright Star Rock/Air Mass assembly if you're going the Aries route. It has no suspension and the isolation devices would be a serious asset.
I am also the owner of 2 Well Tempered tables, an HW19 MkIV and an HW19 MkIII. All of these were serious upgrades from my Linn LP12 (talk about set-up problems!).