New VPI Classic 1 arriving tomorrow!

[unitycoupled]

Tonepub: With our exchange above in mind, do you have any thoughts about a cart that I might like on the VPI Classic? The FedEx man should be delivering the table any moment now! Carts I'm considering:

Zu DL-103 (Heard this at Zu in Ogden and really liked it - fits my personal "sonic profile")
VPI Dynavector 20X-H Special Version (1.0 mV)
Dynavector 10X5
Ortofon 2M Black

I notice that VPI lists some of the Grados on their site as "accessories", but I keep reading that there is a hum problem with these carts and the Classic.

[Tonepub]

Don't know about the grado and VPI combination, but I've really liked the ZU Denon a lot, and if you like that slightly warmer sound, that's the one I'd go for. I'm a big dynavector fan too, but the 10X5 is kind of the dog in the line. Avoid that one!

[unitycoupled]

Well, I've finally got it set up! I spoke with Mike at VPI today, gave him my sonic preferences, and he recommended a few good cartridges to go with the VPI Classic: The Dynavector 20x MkII, Soundsmith Zephyr and the Ortofon 2m. He spoke very highly of the inexpensive 2m Red and said that it would be $99 well spent to see if I liked the sound. He said the 2m Black is similar in character, but just more of a good thing. In absolute terms, he seemed to think most highly of the Zephyr.

Toward the end of the call, I mentioned that I happened to have on hand a Zu/DL-103 Prime. It was clear that Mike thinks very highly of the Zu modded DL-103. He says they usually don't recommend it only because it's not as readily available as the others. He was very clear that if I was lucky enough to have one, I should definitely give it a try.

The Classic arrived in perfect condition, extremely well packed for its journey from New Jersey. It is truly a thing of beauty. It was easy to set up using the included manual and the Zu cartridge mounted without a hitch.

First up was the 180gram pressing of Jack Johnson's "Brushfire Fairy Tales", remastered by Bernie Grundman from the original master tapes direct to lacquers. I've heard this album many, many times before on CD and this was the first time I'd heard it on vinyl. It's hard to describe how good this sounds. The VPI + Zu combo played this beautifully. My search for cartridges is over. I just don't know what else I could want. The sound is just what I wanted: big, warm, forward, and lush, but also with plenty of high frequency detail that for some reason is not at all fatiguing.

Here's a shot of the VPI Classic and the Zu/DL-103 in action:
MobileMe Gallery

[cmalak]

Congrats on the VPI CLassic and Zu/DL-103 combo. Sounds like it has met/exceeded your expectations

[unitycoupled]

Yes, it certainly has exceeded my expectations in every way. I scoured the forums for any mention of this pairing and found none. Too bad because they sound great together.

Also, I should note that I was able to balance the heavy 14 gram Zu cart with the stock counterweight. I had to run that counterweight WAY back on the arm. But Mike at VPI said that with a low compliance cartridge like the Zu/Denon, having the weight so far out is preferable. He also mentioned that upgrading to the stainless steel arm tube and a heavier counterweight would be a good idea at some point.

[jwhite613]

Congrats! Isn't great when a plan comes together. Sounds like Mike was helpful. Pictures look great. Enjoy! Hope to see you in the "what are you spinning thread". I can also recommend the periphery ring and VPI SDS.

[gtubes]

serious pics, what a system (both!), the Logans must be singing!

[f1 fan]

Unity...beauiful & stunning. Love your systems and pix. Join us over on the spinning forum.

Dave

[unitycoupled]

f1_fan: or over on M5board.com? ;-)

[f1 fan]

Originally Posted by unitycoupled

f1_fan: or over on M5board.com? ;-)

No, that's not me but I do lurk there

Dave