VPI Classic vs Clear Audio Wood


Looking for some advice.  Upgrading Luxman PD 284/Grado Red.
Leading candidates are VPI Classic 2 ( NOS) vs Clear Audio Wood: both with either SoundSmith Zephyr III or Dynavector 20 x 2.
My system: Leben CS 600 amp/LDF LE Phono stage with Spendor SP1 speakers.
Any thoughts?
Thanks MP
mpomerantz

Showing 1 response by pingvin

Hi MP

I owned a Classic 1 with Zephyr Mk 1. I would describe the sound as very clean, quite dynamic, with good pitch. I would not describe it as big on tone color. Quite a different set of sonic priorities than the Leben — not that one is “wrong” and the other is “right”, just that I think they would be odd stable mates. In that price range, I’d take a look at WTL or the Nottingham-type tables, if one wanted a companion for the Leben. I haven’t heard enough of the Clearaudios to offer an opinion in this case. 

Happy hunting,
Ping