This is where not having the VPI forum archives to consult is actually tragic. So much information just vanishes. Anyway ... Mostly the Nordost costs more. Remembering posts on the VPI forum, there are many users that prefer the Discovery wiring (that is the lower cost) including Harry. I think the consensus is that the Nordost is somewhat brighter. I have no first hand experience having only heard the Discovery.
For maximum performance of your armwand, make sure the output junction box is wired with the same stuff! Steve Leung @ VAS can hook you up.
@Spin 12 @slovell Thanks guys, I might actually prefer the original wire over the Nordost, what does Steve use?
I can't remember what wire he used on mine but it was high quality. He biwired everything using two twisted wires for each input including the junction box. I could hear an improvement when I put everything back in service. To my old ears everything sounded smoother with a bit more detail, bass was tighter, highs had more sparkle. He's a great guy to deal with and doesn't drag his feet getting it done. I shipped mine on a Monday via Priority Mail and got it back the following Monday. Shoot him an email, he'll answer promptly.
I had both in my system to try. The standard wiring in my original arm is Discovery. It's warm and fairly rich. The Nordost wiring I tried in a second arm was VERY lean sounding. It sounded quick and soundstaged like nobody's business, but images felt relatively hollow and lacked weight. I didn't like it. If the rest of your system is a little dark, though, you might like it.
Thanks, exactly what I wanted to find out. Know where I can find an original arm with discovery wire?
I'd contact Harry or Mat Weisfeld directly at VPI. They're both fairly easy to reach, and like to chat. Where do you live?
VPI chose Discovery over Nordost. Nordost came back with their latest reference wire. VPI decided to go with the latest Nordost over the Discovery wire. I’m using the latest Nordost wiring in my Avenger TT 3D arm, with Hyperion cart, Vahalla 2 phono cable. Lean my ***.
I imagine my version of the Nordost wiring must be the original, didn't know there was an updated version.
Had my tonearm and junction box rewired with Discovery wire by Ray Leung at Vinyl Audio Science, he did a great job and quickly, great customer service. I found the Original Nordost wire, the silver plated one, to be bright and thin, the Discovery wire to be warmer and fuller.
Thanks for the feedback, I see you have a VPI and a number of Benz carts, I will probably look at those someday if I go down the mc path.
Benz carts do work well with Linn arms except for the (too heavy) LPS. The Benz Wood is the sweet spot for this table/arm IMO.
Yes. Wood, RubyZ and LPS. For the last year I've been playing the VPI. For the LPS you need the big counterweight, but they all work well.