VPI Rim Drive vs. belt drive sound files


Greetings All,

About two weeks ago I installed the VPI Rim Drive on my HRX turntable. Having gone through the same frustration of getting the speed stable discussed in other threads, I ---> THINK <--- I finally have it fairly well tweaked. The difference in sound appears to be a much more focused sound stage at the expense (?) of a change in tonal balance. Specifically, the mid tomes of piano keys seems to be a bit more harsh and there appears to be a bit more extension in the very bottom octave.

As I use my turntable purely as a front end for archival capture and mastering, I have digital files of the same tracks, though the identical signal path with both the belt drive and the rim drive. If anyone has the patience to download these large AIFF format files, the link below will give you access to a few of them. I’d be very interested in getting feedback from all on both sonic differences between them as well as any suggestions to improve the Rim drive set up based on listening. If you’d like to check them out please go to:

http://clients.crossroadstelevision.com

user: dean
password: marvin
go into the “VPI RIM DRIVE TEST” folder

Cheers,
Dean
dean358

Showing 1 response by normansizemore

This is a fantastic thread! I listen to quite a bit of solo piano, and that is the main reason that I went from a fully decked out Linn LP12 back to a Dual 1229. I did change the tonearm on the Dual to my favorite a Grace 747. You described the piano as 'harsh'. Actually, if you play piano you would recognize it as 'real' sounding with the rim drive setup. To me, it is pure with definite beginning and decay. Once you get used to this, nothing else will satisfy you. This is the reason those who can't afford your set up reach for old Duals, Thorens, and Garrards! Rim/idler drive is so dynamic it is addicting.