I just purchased a Aries 2 Extended with the 12.5 arm and the Valhalla wire upgrade. It also has the outer ring clamp. However, it has not arrived yet, so I cannot comment on the sound. I can't wait to get it. I am using a VPI mk4 with JMW 10 arm now, and it sounds pretty amazing too. I know it is an older design, but it has been a great table and still looks like new.
