I can tell you, however, that with the same cartridge, I'm not only extracting more information, detail, from the record, but the background of the music is quiet. Again, I'm not just listening to the turntable, I'm listening to all three components. I also have a Sumiko Blue Point which I took from my last table (a Dual). I want to start out saying I bought the turntable with a Moerch UP-4 tonearm with the silver wire. Nevertheless, I'll try to say something useful about the VPI HW-19 jr. It's hard to separate all the components for a review since they are all operating together. Want a Sota, Well-Tempered, etc.pay a couple of grand.for under a thousand you get the same performance and I honestly feel you'll need Class A or B components to hear the difference between the VPI and other more expensive units.
He was amazed at how similar the half-priced VPI is, and claimed the difference in the size of the sound-stage was certainly due to the lack of a reference cartridge.
My friend who I would classify as an Audiophile (instead of myself who is yet to graduate to that level) owns a Sota Sapphire and is jealous of the two-piece clamp which he has to pay extra to obtain for his table.
#Shure sme tonearm vpi upgrade
The table is a true test of my other weak links in the system such as the cartridge, and begs for a phono-preamp upgrade (from my Audio Alchemy VAC in the box) to a tube unit. My experience with it (don't laugh) has been with a Grado Prestige Green cartridge which is temporary until I upgrade to probably a Grado Platinum. Anti-skating and other adjustments are easy. The VPI is also easy to set up and the Audioquest arm requires little maintenance. Because of its lack of internal spring suspension, I still need to make additional improvements to its environment in order to further reduce noise, but the amount I get does not warrant spending an extra grand or two! Remember, what the turntable costs even at a retail price. Using a test record, the amount of audible rumble was well below what is considered acceptable.
The first thing that I realized was how close the turntable brought me to a completely black canvas. The bottom line: The VPI Jr could be the best bargain for the money, a true entry into the Audiophile category. One day I came across a used VPI Jr with Audioquest arm for a price I won't specify (but the Grado cartridge I need to go with it costs the same!). It was time to upgrade my turntable and I waited for that bargain Rega or Sota in the Recycler and at Audio shops. Like many of you I am an Audio Enthusiast on a budget (a grad student).
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