VPI Classic 3 Upgrades or Move On to Something New

I started with the Classic 1, then a Classic 2.5, and a big BAT Phono Pre running an SS Voice. I then upgraded to a Prime Signature and an SS Helios with the same VK-P6SE and since added the 10" Fat Boy, Tru-Lift, Avenger Reference Feet, ADS with HRX pulley and Periphery Ring Clamp.
With each upgrade I noticed an improvement, some subtle and others major. Adding the 10" FatBoy tonearm was the most audible upgrade with the Reference Feet next. The bass is robust and clear, mids and highs are balanced in tone and detail. I have achieved, from within my budget, the best I can do. And, I am very happy with it.
VPI as a company is a different story. I agree that it is often times very difficult to reach someone knowledgeable since Marc left. Now it's a crap shoot who you get and if they know anything. Jose acts like a gate keeper with strict orders not to let anyone in, in fact he wants to be the "be all" to people and his knowledge of the products and audio is very limited. He wouldn't let me talk to Matt so I sent Matt a Personal and Confidential letter. He responded through Mary, sending me the stuff Jose couldn't get his act together on. I won't go into the litany of screw-ups on getting the FatBoy and Reference feet.
Finally everything is settled and I am once again a happy camper enjoying the tunes.

I have a Classic 3 and did the SDS upgrade. It was amazing to get the correct speed on the platter. Everything was a clearer, truer and easier to understand.

My suggestion is to get a kit to measure the platter speed and a VPI SDS to regulate the speed.
I got the SpeedStrobe Turntable Speed Tester by KAB. I created a wire stand from a hanger for a stable point to measure drift against the platter. I put the strobe mat over an old record to get the full weight on the platter.

My system is Dynavector Te Kaitora Rua -> Classic 3 -> Sutherland Phono Block -> Spectral DMC 30SV -> Spectral DMA 400 -> MIT Oracle Cables -> EgglestonWorks Rosa -> plenty of room acoustics

It was like a new turntable after the upgrade. It was inexpensive. I you don’t like it, you can sell it!


Thanks,
Alan

@bigby 

As I mentioned above, I own a Classic 2.7 (sic). Basically a Classic 1/2 plinth, which I upgraded by swapping out the tonearm, base and motor for Classic 3 parts.  The Classic 3 arm is the original metal arm.  My cartridge is a Lyra Kleos.

I am not looking to put a lot more into my TT setup.  Was thinking about swapping the old Classic 3 metal arm for the 3D arm. 

Wasn't really thinking about the SDS speed controller until I read your post.  Not being familiar with the SDS upgrade, I thought that it ensured that the platter was spinning precisely at 33 1/3 RPM.  Is that not so?  Does one still need to check RPM speed with a strobe?

Alan, what incremental improvements would you suggest?  I am NOT looking to drop mega bucks into the TT.  Would be interested in something that gives big bang for the buck.

My electronics are all ARC:  Ref Phono 3SE, Ref 6SE linestage, Ref 150SE amp.

Thanks

Additionally, I have developed a substantial upgrade for VPI owners that currently use their dual pivot 

PM me. I provide a PEEK film, very thin that is peel & stick,.