Description

This post is primarily to show my latest project. I have been acquiring VPI components a few years and the day has finally arrived. Having completed many commission pieces in the past I decided to construct a custom plinth and isolation base utilizing Gingko balls. Now that I have completed the project I decided to post a few photos. The final specifications of the turntable with the feet are, 21 “ X 15 3/8" X 4 1/8" (W x D x H), not including the isolation platform. The table with the motor is quite massive at 63 ½ lbs. Once mounted on the platform a total of 76 ½ lbs., on the suspension balls. A visually stunning, imposing, rock solid piece of audio equipment, as I am sure you will agree. The construction of the table was executed with the utmost care and consideration for final performance of the rig.

Since completion I have spent many hours auditioning the table with many familiar favourite recordings that are known by audiophiles for their quality. I was immediately struck by the rigs’ absolute neutrality. The table disappears during playback, no colouration, an obvious absence of any audible mechanical or acoustic interference. I had acoustic feedback issues with my last table, absolutely none here. The finished table in all aspects, appearance and performance, has surpassed all my expectations. I am very excited with it and will now continue to immerse myself in listening.
Read more...

Components Toggle details

    • VPI Industries VPI Custom turntable
    The finished product at home on its base
    • Custom isolation base Gingko
    The base was constructed to match the plinth utilizing Gingko balls
    • McIntosh MC-352
    The sweetest SS amp around
    • McIntosh C-41
    Solid performer
    • Paradigm S8 V2
    Covers the wide range of my musical taste with elegance

Comments 4

what platter are you using there? i have an Aries ver.1, and if i had an upgraded arm (10.5), and an isolation base such as yours in black mica (to match the original plinth and to save money) that would also be a nice package.
this post definitely inspires my imagination, although my ultimate VPI machine was the TNT-6 with a super-platter (which had the dual-motor-flywheel assembly from the HRX).
Having said that, your project is a very nice example of a compact and
very elegant machine, and your isolation system seems to work extremely well.
Spending 15-20 grand on a table might be ok but i like this approach even better.

french_fries

My compliments simply stunning. Enjoy and thanks for posting.

needfreestuff

Owner
Hello Dan, thanks for your compliments. Actually I am using a VPI 10 arm, along with a Benz Ace cartridge & a project tube phono stage. Yes I did make the stand entirely from scratch. The blue Gingko balls can be purchased separately from Elusive Disc.

anthony66

You have done a very good job of addressing many of the issues with VPI 'tables of that iteration. The arm must be a 10.5i? There are a lot of ways to modify Scout/Scoutmaster 'tables, but the way you have done it, not only must it sound very, very, good, but with looks to match.

I've done some similar upgrades, but they aren't as elegant-looking as what you have done. I take it you made the Ginko style platform. If so, where did you get the Blue Balls (pun intended)?

What cart and phono stage are you using?

Congratulations, and thanks for sharing!
Dan

islandmandan

Showing all 4 posts