VPI Classic 1

Discussion in 'Audio Hardware' started by Jack Flannery, Aug 30, 2014.

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  1. Jack Flannery

    Jack Flannery Forum Resident Thread Starter

    Location:
    Houston, TX
    I currently have a Pro-Ject Xperience with a Blue Point #2 on it. Except for some rumble issues, the table performs OK. However, I seem to have a desire for a Classic. I realize I would probably be better financially served trying to get rid of the rumble and buying more vinyl but, well, you know. Given there are no dealers in Houston, I'll probably wind up buying one and having it shipped. What cartridges are you all using on these things?
     
  2. Jack Flannery

    Jack Flannery Forum Resident Thread Starter

    Location:
    Houston, TX
    Of course, I could have used the search function a little better. Jeeze.
     
  3. JMCIII

    JMCIII Music lover first, audiophile second.

    I have an older HW19 Mk.IV that I use a LOMC Lyra Argo i on. Works great.
     
  4. cmndrums

    cmndrums Forum Resident

    Galen Carol Audio is in San Antonio if you don't mind the drive.
     
  5. Jack Flannery

    Jack Flannery Forum Resident Thread Starter

    Location:
    Houston, TX
    I ride a Vespa or Moto Guzzi. If I head that way I might check them out. I live in an audio wasteland.
     
  6. dasacco

    dasacco Senior Member

    Location:
    Massachussetts
    I use an Audio-Technica AT150MLX on mine, and couldn't be happier. I originally had the cartridge in my Denon DP-62L table, and when I desired a turntable upgrade I chose the Classic.

    I planned to upgrade the cartridge at the same time, but the place I ordered the table from (Music Direct) suggested I upgrade only the table so that I could hear the difference it made, and maybe later upgrade the cart and phono stage.

    Well I was floored enough so that three years later I'm still running the AT cart in the table, and through the same pre-amp, a Crown SL-2.

    Kudos to Music Direct. I shipped them the cart and they set up the Classic with it prior to shipping me the turntable, so it was pretty easy work when I got it. I also bought the Gingko Classic table top dust cover for it and it looks great!
     
  7. whaleyboy

    whaleyboy Senior Member

    Location:
    San Diego, CA
    I have used a Dynavctor 20x and a Lyra Delos on mine and would happily use either one again. The Lyra is installed now and I am delighted with it.
     
  8. mreeter

    mreeter Forum Resident

    Location:
    Kansas City
    ellingtonic and Steve Hoffman like this.
  9. Jimbo912

    Jimbo912 Forum Resident

    Location:
    Williamsville NY
    I have a Benz-Micro Ebony on mine which retails for the same price as the VPI. Seems crazy,but I got the Ebony for $800 as they screwed up my order for a Glider and sent an Ebony instead. They told me to just keep the Ebony
     
  10. Jack Flannery

    Jack Flannery Forum Resident Thread Starter

    Location:
    Houston, TX
    My preferred dealer in Grand Rapids sells Grado and I don't know what else. I'm heading up there in a couple of weeks so I'll see what they have.
     
  11. csampson

    csampson Forum Resident

    I have a Dynavector 10x5 on my Classic 1 and it sounds great.
     
  12. Upinsmoke

    Upinsmoke Well-Known Member

    Location:
    SE PA
    1300 for one on agon now.
     
  13. audioguy3107

    audioguy3107 Forum Resident

    Location:
    Atlanta, Georgia
    Dynavector XX2 mkII on my Classic 2. Dynavectors pair well with VPI tables.....lots of good feedback on these combos if you do some searching. I've been really pleased with mine so far.

    - Buck
     
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  14. ellingtonic

    ellingtonic Forum Resident

    I'm very happy with the Soundsmith Zephyr II on my Classic.
     
  15. EdogawaRampo

    EdogawaRampo Senior Member

    Using Lyras on mine. Wonderful.
     
  16. Upinsmoke

    Upinsmoke Well-Known Member

    Location:
    SE PA
    That is my next step up. I need to do more research on Delos or Kleos. Does the Kleos really warrant double the price? I've been using the gen 1 of the Zephyr but have not been finding that nirvana with the cart. That's not to say that the cart is not a good one, just for my ears and system I'm missing something on it.
     
  17. jeff kleinberg

    jeff kleinberg Senior Member

    Location:
    Ct
    I have a Kleos Sl, I haven't even thought about another cart. It is amazing from NIN to Bach.
     
  18. EdogawaRampo

    EdogawaRampo Senior Member

    Not having heard a Delos I can't comment. And I think most of us are aware that increasingly larger expenditures are required to gain incremental improvements.

    Having said that, the Kleos is wonderful, as is the Helikon I had before it.

    Bear in mind Lyras fall into the neutral/analytical range of sound, similar to Dynavector (I had a XX-2 in the past), but better IMO.
     
  19. conjotter

    conjotter Forum Resident

    Dynavector 20x 2 (low).

    Sings like an angel on my Classic 1.

    If you can, buy it from a good dealer and have them install it properly (or any higher end cartridge).

    Proper installation makes a big difference no matter what brand you buy.
     
  20. Chris F

    Chris F Well-Known Member

    I have a 2M black on mine. I am planning to eventually move up to a Lyra (probably Kleos) or a Ortofon Cadenza Bronze but for now the 2M black is a very nice cartridge and pairs well with the 10.5 arm.
     
  21. rocky dennis

    rocky dennis Forum Resident

    Location:
    norcal
    +1. Galen is great to deal with. He set me up with my Classic I and Lyra Delos cart.

    The new generation of Lyra carts are less "analytical" than the previous generation. The Helikon was too clinical sounding for my taste. I think Lyra struck a nice balance with the Skala. The Delos sounds more like the Skala than the Helikon. I find Dynavector carts are generally more on the warm side than the current generation of Lyras, which has its appeal too. I've had both Lyras and Dynas on VPI tables. Both sound wonderful on VPIs. It comes down to a matter of taste.
     
  22. Upinsmoke

    Upinsmoke Well-Known Member

    Location:
    SE PA
    Cartridge then speakers will probably be the next step up. I'm just not getting the feeling I want from the Zephyr.
     
  23. AxiomAcoustics

    AxiomAcoustics "The enemy is listening"

    I've got the Delos on my C3 right now, love it. Kleos sits in waiting.

    However, you mentioned something that has not been addressed: "rumble". You refer to getting rid of the rumble, which tells me that it may not be specific to your Pro-Jekt. To me, the last thing you want to do is to switch out a less-expensive setup that exhibits rumble...with a MORE expensive setup that exhibits rumble. In fact, I'd venture to guess that the Classic may be more sensitive to placement, especially with a more-sensitive cart, than your Pro-Jekt.

    I'd run down that rumble issue first, and then do the upgrade. Less aggravation and frustration. When you bring that big heavy Classic home you want it's new 'home' to be ready to go and properly sussed.
     
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