Difference between VPI Aries 3 and Classic 3

scouter

Member Sponsor
Oct 30, 2012
241
4
0
Wrightsville Beach, NC
About to spring for a new turntable , and was wondering if anyone knows the sonic differences of VPI's Aries and Classic turntables. Any suggestions as to one over the other would be much appreciated, as I don't want to change front ends for a while.
 

docvale

Well-Known Member
Mar 21, 2011
542
53
940
Briarcliff Manor, NY
No clue about sonic differences...
Anyway, at VPI they consider their Classic series as their favorite creatures. The Aries 3, IMHO, looks better and it has larger margins of upgrade (flywheel motor + RIM drive, possibility to be ordered with no arm - so you pick your fav or, maybe, you could directly order it with a 12" one).

OTOH, if you want to have the Aries 3 with HRx feet, center and peripheral clamp, it turns to cost more than the Classic 3.
 

asindc

Well-Known Member
Sep 27, 2012
187
20
923
No clue about sonic differences...
Anyway, at VPI they consider their Classic series as their favorite creatures. The Aries 3, IMHO, looks better and it has larger margins of upgrade (flywheel motor + RIM drive, possibility to be ordered with no arm - so you pick your fav or, maybe, you could directly order it with a 12" one).

OTOH, if you want to have the Aries 3 with HRx feet, center and peripheral clamp, it turns to cost more than the Classic 3.

For what it's worth, I believe all the Classic versions can be ordered pre-drilled for your arm of choice.
 

JackD201

WBF Founding Member
Apr 20, 2010
12,308
1,425
1,820
Manila, Philippines
I was a VPI owner for many years. One thing about VPI is that there are so many options that do affect the final sound. Choice of platter alone can make a pretty big difference. I haven't kept abreast but there are many VPI owners here who have. Perhaps if you are more specific about the specific configurations you could get better answers.

cheers
 

scouter

Member Sponsor
Oct 30, 2012
241
4
0
Wrightsville Beach, NC
Thanks everyone- it seems that there are really no standard answers to my question. I think my best bet is to audition both with my cartridge-Sumiko Celebration- and determine which best suits my taste. That's an issue at this point with Hurricane Sandy delaying shipments. No dealers around here are even stocking the Aries, favoring the Classic 1, and offering to order Aries and Classic 3s.
 

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