VPI Avenger turntable with Grado Labs Epoch cartridge. My mini-review is here, post #296..

Given the current shortage of the noted Holland LP, I'm going to play with a couple of Flying Fish records I have on hand, most notably a couple of Telecaster Players.. Amos Garrett "Go Cat Go" and Arlen Roth "Lonely St." Off hand, I'm not sure if there's anything as easily identifiable as the bass track discussed, but I'm overdue for a listen to these anyway.

 

What records does he keep in his "vinyl Swiss Army knife" Steve?

 

what's better than that?

 

The new fatboy design was at Axpona. What I like is a more sculpted shape and a pretty steel and black rubber counterweight that is a nice blend of the stainless steel and solid black look on the rest of the arm.

 

"The back of the arm is now threaded, allowing much more accurate adjustments and the ability to easily lock the counterweight. No more messing with a counterweight that slides along the back for fine adjustments."

Glad to see they took a cue from SME and went with a threaded end design - this type of system is soooo much easier to use than those requiring you to lock the counterweight in place by means of a thumb screw.

 

How awesome for me to see some semblance of my table at your house! I have a Prime, of course a few notches down from your's, and I just absolutely love it. The forum folks here recommended a Soundsmith Zephyr III cartridge (among others of course) which I understand is on the VPI "approved" recommendation list and I installed it last week. Nothing like what you have I'm sure, but boy am I loving it! The right cartridge, and installing it correctly, is everything, eh? VPI's "how to" set up youtube video is such an invaluable tool. Kudos to them for such a useful tool. I just don't do instructions well...video is exactly what I need! I've had to install five cartridges since buying the table last year trying to figure out what works best and now, at last, I'm there! I can't see ever going to another brand table; they have been terrific. Exctied to read your post after you have it all set up.

 

That LP of the Mozart Horn Concertos 1 through 4 from 1953 is the recording that (mostly) made him famous outside Britain - and is considered to be the definitive version. Not a big von Karajan fan but this is a stellar orchestra and recording. I always liked Barry Tuckwell's (well, he was an Aussie) version before I heard Dennis Brain.

Sadly, what many remember was him crashing his Triumph TR2 into a tree. This happened in Hatfield, outside the De Havilland aircraft factory. I did some work a couple of years ago for Pitney Bowes, whose UK head office is at the old De Havilland site. I am not sure I saw the exact tree that Dennis crashed into (OK, I know I did not), but my thoughts did turn to remembrances. He was a superstar, born into a family of top notch horn players; destined for greatness; and unfortunately, lost.

 

Go to youtube and enter VPI installation. They unpack the table and set it up. And it moves along fast...my kind of installation instruction! It is only around 12 minutes and it assures one doesn't forget any steps. It is very customer friendly....they know it can be intimidating and they try hard (and succeed) in giving you the confidence to complete the job accurately. I never would have figured it out using the supplied instructions...no offense to them, I just struggle with that sort of thing. I sure understand why you like to use an expert. My first time installation wasn't very good but with this fifth installation and their video, I know I nailed it and my ears confirm it. If I buy another table it will be a VPI upgrade. Sure love yours! Thanks for including us in the set up journey.

 

From someone who has the VPI Classic Signature I have that upgraditus bug! Really looking forward to reading Steve's in depth review. The Avenger is on my 'maybe to buy' list

 

I assume your good friend will come back and install the arm and cartridge for you? Hope he can come quickly. Look forward to your comments. You sure are patient!

 

Well, that would admittedly improve my patience by a significant margin too! Still, must be exciting. You’re likely going to love it.

 

Eager to read your take on the Avenger Steve. Its on my 'maybe to buy list" Currently have a Classic Sig.

 

Until I got my Prime, I had no idea what you guys were talking about when I read terms like “blacker blacks” and “getting out of the way of the music”. I got it almost immediately when I heard the Prime, moving from a Technics MK1200. And, of course, the Avenger should and does sound better according to your experience. I really can’t imagine getting another brand table now, and if I ever need a second table I will upgrade but stay with VPI and move the Prime into my secondary set up. And yes, the cartridge is critical with that arm in my experience as well. I had to buy four before I finally found one I liked. I’m impulsive and should have done more research. For me, it was the Soundsmith Zephyr, which is recommended by VPI. No “break in” needed...it popped right out of the box! Was nice reading your thoughts...thanks! I’m always curious what you get when you approach “as good as it gets” territory.

 

If you set the VTA for “average” what do you do when you have a thicker than average pressing? Do you remove the mat?

 

Steve, thanks for the review. What you said supports my feelings of the Avenger. The Avenger is my third VPI TT. I already had the SDS speed controller, a periphery ring, center weight, and an HRX pulley, so it was an easy decision to upgrade to another VPI. I believe these accessories improve the performance of the Avenger.

The build quality of the Avenger is a few of notches up from the Prime, especially the motor. I ordered my Avenger with the Nordost wire and reference feet. When ordering with those options I was charged the difference for those options. In other words, I was given credit for the cost of the standard options and not required to pay the full cost of the upgrade, as I would have if I waited to add them at a later time. I can't to speak to the improvement of those options as I have never heard the Avenger without them. I can say the Avenger's performance is much better than the Prime, and as you say the Avenger is a big boy TT.