Two questions for those who own the Classic:
1. Would the Classic fit on a 20'' x 15'' maple block? I know its dimensions are a little bigger, but was wondering if its footprint was small enough to fit on a block this size.
2. Does anyone own the Classic with the special edition of the Dynavector 20X cart made exclusively for VPI that VPI offers on its website as an option? It has a higher output than the standard 0.4 20X but lower than the 2.5. I was curious how it works with the Classic and whether it's worth the extra $100.
Thanks!
Thanks |
Thank you Rockyboy. I already have a maple block which supports my Scout, but was thinking of upgrading to the Classic, hence my question. That's good news!
Funny that you have a Glider as it's a cart I am also considering. I can get it factory rebuilt for $500 from Osage, in any output. Which one do you have and how do you like it with the Classic? |
"Quick question on the JMW 10.5 tonearm that comes with the Classic (SE version without VTA tower) and those of you who ordered the standard JMW10.5i (with VTA tower and Valhalla wiring). Can you please tell me what the effective mass is for both versions of this tonearm."
The effective mass of the SE is 11.2 grams. I don't know about the i version. I'd email VPI directly for this information. |
Thanks Rockyboy for the info and advice. Interesting that VPI in their email response to me stated that the effective mass of the Classic tonearm is 11.2 grams. What was the source of your information?
Good point about the dustcover. I currently have the Scout and got a custom made acrylic cover ($99!) for it, but it rests on the plinth. It saves both the cost and the space. I believe I saw the same type of cover at my dealer's on the Classic from Ginko while it lasted (they have 4 Classics on backorder!). |
Mac, I can take a pic with my phone later today and forward it to you if you want (feel free to contact me privately). The cover is absolutely top quality and made perfectly to my specifications. The only downside to ordering custom is the wait time. But for a fraction of the price Ginko charges still worth it... |
Wow, it sounds like Mr. Bloom is not a fan of VPI in the least. I got a sense he set off to dislike the table even before he started the review, from the tone of his narrative and numerous remarks that had nothing to do with the actual performance of the turntable. I also found his comment about "few and far between" positive reviews of the Classic rather disingenuous as the opposite seems to be the case. All I can say is wow. |
I must say that one of the more frustrating things about high-end audio choices is to read completely different opinions on the same product, which tend to leave others quite confused. Especially when meaningful auditioning is not possible. A vinyl specialist from a very respected and popular dealer shop that has been in business for decades had this to say about the Classic:
"We basically recommend the VPI Classic over everything under the $5100.00 Basis 2000/Basis Rega arm...[The Classic] is well-built to even the most casual observer. Heavy and stable, with big, adjustable feet, it is easy to set up and not prone to accidental misadjustment or drift of tonearm or suspension geometries. The JMW 10.5i tonearm can be damped with silicone fluid which allows some tailoring of the tonearm's performance and sound, and it will work well with the Soundsmith Aida's slender physique. The soundstage is large and deep with precise imaging, the bass is solid and the midrange and high frequency response is detailed and smooth. We think it is an all around best buy."
This was in response to my question whether he would recommend the NA Space 294 over the Classic. They carry both brands so I have no reason not to trust this salesperson's opinion, especially since the Space 294 is much more expensive than the Classic. Certainly the majority of professional reviews have been very positive, which leads me to believe that it is not the table as much as the different tastes of those who don't rate it as highly as most.
|
Macdadtexas, did VPI offer any advice on how to get rid or minimize the hum? Is the hum caused by something in the Classic? I assume it must be since otherwise Grado would certainly have taken measures to fix this problem in their cartridges. I'm curious why a particular table would cause hum in cartridges while a different table wouldn't. Sounds like it might have something to do with the aluminum platter, doesn't it? |
So it's done; I ordered a Classic with my dealer and the worst part of the process has begun--waiting. I got the black finish and the Valhalla wiring.
I must say the pictures do not give this turntable justice. When I walked into my dealer's today, they had just assembled a black Classic with Valhalla and Dyna 20X cartridge for a customer who had been waiting for his since January. (It must have been a sign!)It looked so much better than in pictures. The finish was exquisite and the table was so imposing with its heft and massive platter. Absolutely amazing. I think the black finish especially makes it beautiful.
My only concern at this point is my current MI cart that's 6.8 grams and has a compliance of 22. I intend to upgrade to Lyra Delos in the near future but my Soundsmith Aida will have to do the job for a while. I hope it has a good synergy with the Classic tonearm. |
Thank you Cmalak for your feedback. I actually contacted VPI a while back and Mike told me the effective mass of the JMW-10i SE is 11.2 grams. But then it seems that others were told the mass is anywhere from 11.6 to 12.3 grams so go figure. With an effective mass of 11.2, the resonant frequency I get is 7.9 so it's not completely bad, but doubtless the Delos would be a better match.
I'll keep you guys posted on my impressions and progress. |
That's correct Cmalak. I got the Valhalla wiring but not the VTA tower. The Valhalla option was $300 extra, but my dealer said unequivocally it was absolutely worth it and I trust his judgment. The Classic that was set up at the store also had some sort of a felt mat on the platter, which I found interesting as I know HW normally advises against any mats for VPI tables; I've never felt the need to use my Boston carbon Mat-1 with my Scout, that's for sure. I wonder if that's because of the aluminum platter. I will certainly experiment with the mat and will let you know what I find. |
For those with the "popping" problem: why not simply turn the volume all the way down when you turn the Classic off? I do it anyway, just in case, even though I have not experienced any popping with my current set-up. It seems like a prudent thing to do. |
So my Classic finally arrived and oh, my! My dealer set it up and mounted the Lyra Delos. I brought it home yesterday and right out of the box the combo sounds heavenly. Transparency and detail is amazing; I think the soundstage should get better as the cart breaks in. No pooping issues as mentioned in some posts above. Also, the woofer pumping is all but gone, which I experienced with my previous setup. The worst album in my collection is Black Sabbath "Paranoid," which caused a tremendous woofer pumping before, even before the music started. It's still present with the Classic, but much less so. I think it must be the record with a lot of subsonic frequencies embedded in the vinyl during the manufacturing process. Every other record shows no sign of rumble.
My only question so far is about the feet: I noticed that one was visibly raising the table as I was turning it as I could see the thread of the leg screw extending. However, another leg just seems to turn and no screw is visible but still appears to be raising the table. Anyone with a similar experience? |
