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Item: VPI ARIES 3 TURNTABLE (Complete System) Location: MELBOURNE Price: $6500 (RRP as featured in excess of $11,000 AUD) Item Condition: EXCELLENT (presents as new & unmarked) Reason for selling: PACKING UP FOR HOME RENOVATIONS (also check out my other listings!) Payment Method: Pickup - Cash, Paypal, COD, Direct Deposit Extra Info: See below: Up for grabs serious vinyl lovers is my awesome ARIES 3 including the JMW MEMORIAL CLASSIC 3, 10.5” TONEARM with Nordost Valhalla wiring. Comes complete with all standard accessories, owner's manual, JMW Precision metal Alignment Jig and original packaging. Magnificent as this deck is in its standard configuration I have elevated its sonics to even further heights by implementing the following additions/upgrades and these are all included in the sale: SDS (240/120V Synchronous Drive System): http://vpiindustries.com/sds.html (approx. $1000 USD) Upgraded VPI Metal Platter (approx. $900 USD) (Original Acrylic Platter also included, see the indicative pic #6) Upgraded VPI Feet (similar to those on the reference HRX model) for extra level of isolation (approx. $450 USD) (Original Conical Feet also included for a lower profile appearance, see the idicative pic #6) VPI Deluxe Derlin Stainless Steel Clamp ($150 USD) Soundsmith Counter Intuitive for VPI Tonearms ($50 USD) Also included is: · Additional new VPI Motor in Stainless Steel Housing (as a spare and/or for alternative look) I purchased this unit brand new in the U.S. some 3 years ago and it performed flawlessly at all times. I found it be a wonderful player that sounds as gorgeous as it looks. Here is couple of links to some of the enthusiastic appraisals available online: http://www.enjoythemusic.com/superioraudio/equipment/0708/vpi_aries_3.htm http://www.audiophilia.com/reviews/2016/5/25/the-vpi-aries-turntable Please note, whilst pics 1 to 5 are that of my actual unit, I have also added a stock photo, pic #6 to show an alternative configuration when fitted with the standard acrylic platter and conical feet, both of which I am including in this sale. As noted above I also have a complete spare motor housed in a stainless steel (not pictured) which would render an alternative look. Please also note there is no inclusion of cartridge in the sale. Would very much prefer a local pick up, but can ship nationally if buyer wishes to account for required insurance and courier costs. Genuinely interested parties, please feel free to ask any questions via PM. Richard

Nanc and I hiking at Balanced Rock in Big Bend National Park.

@Peter_F Thanks Peter, I was unaware that the original tweeters were not Celestion. The seller I bought these from is a member here and assured me when I bought them that he went to great trouble and cost to source the original tweeters, because as you rightly put, they loose their magic without them. I was told the tweeters are not the original ones that these speakers came from the factory with, but they are the correct original replacements, so I'm told. I was not told when I bought them of any mod's to the crossovers, so all I can think is that they were not modified, this backs up what you say about the need to modify the X-overs to allow for non original replacements. I had no reason to dismantle them to just to confirm this, as they sound great. It appears you know quite a bit about them, you would know they are not the easiest speakers to pull apart just to check. The guy I bought them from went to a bit of trouble to get the stands made, I cant see why he would have skimped on the tweeters. But alas, as I have not looked inside them I have no way to confirm this. If you know of a way to confirm that the tweeters are original replacements or not, I'd be glad to hear and would happily go through the steps to confirm them. I'm not trying to misrepresent them, even though I may or may not have made an error when listing them for sale. I have to take the blame for not being a spec boffin, but I have no intention of misrepresenting them nor misleading any potential buyer. I'd appreciate you sharing your expertise so I can clarify this issue. It seems you are as concerned for my reputation as I am. If they have been messed with, it wont look good for me, or the guy I bought them from. I'd be happy to accept any help or advice you can offer. If I may indulge in providence for a minute, these speakers came from a reputable member of SNA, with the help of other well known members, they were shipped to me by hand. It would be really nice if you can fathom us with your knowledge of Gales as to absolve all parties involved with fraudulent misrepresentation. So, how can I confirm these speakers have the right tweeters?

I rather not have children....and i didnt

Nitin Sawhney - Beyond Skin

Gatefold, great cover.

Received today.......finally Dead Can Dance - Toward the Within Sounds pretty good... This was first I heard of them. Triple j played 1st track "Rakim" and that track got me hooked back in '95.

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

The Simmons B45's look excellent on this Ford..One for the blue oval boys & girls..

Autechre - Exai - 4lp vinyl box set

That's a ripper of an album, superb sonics too. I'm going to dig my copy out, that's what I like about this thread.

Hi All Some mellowness for the morning: JJ

DJ Krush - Zen

Bit of Shining Bird - Black Opal......and a bourbon, sounds good when you have had a few sherbets, just remember to use the lift mechanism...

Have shifted the whole system to the right side of the room , it's a huge difference . the bottem end before was in different places (not in front of me ) basically this has solved my problem thinking it was the phono stage . I'm going to have to wait until my lease is up and remember next time I look for a house is not to choose a room like this hahah . This was a lesson !

Beaumont hannant - texurology ... GPR records 1994

Fidel's gone

I've met boys that like to wear skirts. Anything is possible.

Watched "Cadillac Records" last night, gotta get some Mud....

The tweeters in this pair of Gales are both Celestion HF2000. The bass drivers are all the original CTS square magnet units, and the midranges are both Peerless K040 with correct "reverse roll" surrounds.

I don't know if I have hearing loss, and if so how much, but I do know what I think sounds good is completely different to what some of my friends think sound good. 90% of the time me and one of my audiophile friends evaluate the same speaker (or any other component), we disagree on it. What he likes I don't and what I like he doesn't. We can split most products on the market between what I like, he likes, and neither of us like. I have also spoken to people who do room acoustic treatment professionally, and the rooms most people find pleasant, I don't. The rooms I think are good, others find too boring.

Just released. It's not cheap and the exchange rate sucks, but being the NY tragic that I am have already ordered it. Looking forward to the Rust albums in particular. Glad to see he is still getting these done in a timely manner. In other news, his entire catalogue returned to Rhapsody/Napster last month. Ripper!

Brilliant preamp, i think to buy new in OZ is $3k. Very versatile and quiet pre, stax of inputs and outputs. Im using one currently and had one previously. This is a great buy for someone. Note - no vested interest , just passing on my thoughts

if I would be looking for Sabre DAC again it won't be anything less than ES9038PRO, such as this.... $1699 for pre-orders, shipping end of December... http://www.matrix-digi.com/en/products/137/index.html#page1 but this thread is about Gustard AK4497 so let's leave new Sabre DACs for other threads ,there will be enough new DACs coming out in next few months so keep your wallet ready btw, I will be doing GTG against my current dual differential ES9018 so I will try to provide short summary of pros cons of the stock unit, I didn't buy it to keep it as is so my evaluation will be valid only for short period

Time for a12" , crikey haven't played this for awhile Simple Minds- Sanctify Yourself 30 years ago back on October 22nd 1986.....Sports and Entertainment Centre... AKA.... "The Glasshouse" Minds ruled the world then, well in my eyes. Juke Magazine thought they were pretty special then. Best live act of '86 . One of the best drummers in Mel Gaynor, keyboardist in Michael Macneill Great concert. I remember buying 20, yes 20 tickets for friends for the huge amount of $26 a ticket.....everyone paid. Apologise for history lesson.... Ahhh memories

Now for something completely different, bit of Jean Michel Jarre- Electronica......song with Air-Close your Eyes....smooth

Elvis Presley - Raised on Rock - 1973 Friday Music reissue on clear vinyl. I was not expecting too much on this release, but I am pleasantly surprised. Sounds pretty good - certainly better than the old copy I have. recorded at Stax Studio in Memphis

One of my all time favorite classic Holdens.

A Fire! Orchestra gig from 2015 that I downloaded from a jazz blog. Two hours of bliss http://inconstantsol.blogspot.com.au/2016/05/saalfelden-jazz-festival-fire-orchestra.html

Interesting as I was thinking about this very thing the other night while playing a record with the volume cranked to 11. The gaps between tracks revealed the somewhat noisy noise floor and I thought to myself, wouldn't it be great if it was dead silent but then I got thinking about all the concerts & gig's I've been to and is it completely silent between tracks in a live enviroment (even without all the applause)?.....HELL NO. So for me some noise doesnt bother me at all as long as its constant. Its the occasional loud tick or pop that jumps out of the speaker that I find irritating.

If anything, its the opposite. Any vinyl noise tends to put me off the medium.

Hard to believe Michael Hutchence has been dead for 19 years just two days ago. such a waste or a remarkable talent. Spinning The Swing from the 2014 box set. It compares very well to the original pressing and some make actually prefer its slightly smoother fuller presentation. The reissue certainly captures Michael's voice even better than the original Aussie pressing. brings back great memories spinning this album.

Picked this up today Terry Riley, Don Cherry and Karl Berger - Live in Koln 2016 LP on Modern Silence, 094/500

Half a day off work so.... Muse-Drones Phil Collins-Face Value current remaster Don Henley-Inside Job. Goes on a bit. Molly Hatchet-Self titled debut. Chomp chomp.

Hi, yes I have (among the others) and they drive them very nicely!

While I was in Byron Bay earlier this year I found a near mint copy of this. Was very difficult trying to keep the cover in good nic while travelling.

Unfortunately I didn't asked that question....I'd hate to think.... At least Apple will and still repair out of warranty....but when you go 4yrs+ I'd say it's time to upgrade...software and apps are consistently requiring additional resources.....even today i think 512 SSD is not enough

getting sloppy in your old age Jake? Just waiting for CCmusic to ship with 25% off

I like my vinyl silent but maybe there is something going on in the mix. I can also confirm i am addicted to white noise. I fall asleep on planes it's uncontrollable and that low level noise hits me hard. When it's time to turn the fan off after the summer heat i struggle to sleep for a while, it's the same when a storm is raging outside. I love it! Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

What makes you think it's a junk turntable? Given that you have probably not seen it let alone heard it. The styling is an homage to a "classic" design... if it's done well then what's the problem? Cheers M

Did this one shift? Can't tell through all the banter...

If noise is audible beyond the lead-in with your vinyl, your LPs need a clean or they're well dodgy! When my audio-shy friends visit and I play the turntable, they usually ask where all the pops and crackles are. They assume it's what vinyl playback is all about!

I used to use Linn Isobarik stands with mine. The width and height just happened to be spot on

Right, sorry for the late reply on this one folks but I wanted to give a decent reply on my experience with the VAF EVO 1’s. First up the up-front sales experience was good, post-sale was a little frustrating as they quoted 4-6 weeks delivery but ended up taking 11 weeks - I think they were very busy after a successful Melbourne Hi-Fi show so maybe a bit of a one off. For reference I no way consider myself an audiophile, at least in terms of experience and be aware the other components in my system may be a bottleneck somewhat in terms of audio quality – I’ll be really keen to see the review from a more experienced person that Marc is talking about. I’m new to the proper hi fi set up game and the EVO1s were a real step into the unkown for me and waaaay more expensive than my initial budget was meant to be contained to! Running into the EVOs I have an old (but fully reconditioned) Technics SU7300 integrated amplifier and a Thorens TD-160 TT and pretty low fi / cheap interconnects and speaker cable. Anyway on to a bit of a review of the actual product in question - 1st impression out of the box was extremely pleasing. I bought these off the back of a listen at the Hi-Fi show and was taken aback by the sound and looks of the EVOs with a special 2 tone timber inlay with gloss finish, unfortunately this finish was out of my price range so I ended up ordering the standard clear oak finish and I was not disappointed. The cabinetry on these speakers is impeccable. You can tell they have had some real care and attention when being made and since I’ve had them have really noticed on other speakers which are more mass produced the lack of quality on the finish (gaps in mitre joints, less solid feel etc.). On to the sound (I really struggle to describe audio so bear with me). I think they sound great. Very detailed and with the ability to get heaps of bass and punch particularly for a relatively small speaker. These replaced a pair of floorstanding Wharfdale diamond 9.1s and although I haven’t done an A/B listening test the EVOs straight away made an impression. This may sound corny or audiophiley but on a particular track I played early I was actually able to hear the noise of the bass players fingers pressing the string on the fretboard, I’ve never heard this type of detail in a system before and I guess this points to the EVOs sounding pretty detailed and accurate. The bass is impressive too, they can get down to some really really low notes that can really shake the room (much to my significant others annoyance), very impressive. I’m still playing about with positioning of the EVOs in my room which is an awkward size and shape so not sure if I have got the best out of them yet in terms of imaging and getting in the sweet spot. Seperation of instruments etc. is good and they sound well balanced to my ears – crisp not harsh and I can listen to them for hours without any hint of fatigue. The only issue I have with the EVOs is that I’d like to get a bit more noise out of them at times but this I’m pretty sure is down to my large room size and relatively low powered Technics amp (40W) which I never turn above 12 o clock to be on the safe side, it’s a bit more of an issue when I am playing vinyl and suspect the phono stage in my Technics amp might be letting me down a little. I believe the EVOs are relatively low sensitivity so I’m planning upgrading my amp to get the best out of them. Looking at a Rega Elex R (VAF recommended this when I ordered the speakers – I do note that they stock Rega) unless something interesting 2nd hand pops up on here or ebay (there is a Luxman L507u that’s close to my range available but can’t find many reviews on them). Anyway there you go, my first and maybe last product review for SNA – I hope it’s of some use to anyone considering the EVOs. The bottom line being I most definitely recommend them and think I can get a bit more out of them when I upgrade my amp – I’ll be sure to provide some commentary on here when I do upgrade (hopefully within the next month). The EVOs will be happily kept in my system while I go on the journey of upgraditis on the rest of my system and they themselves may never get upgraded…..unless of course my ship comes in and I can afford a set of VAF floorstanders!! PS If anyone has any comments or experience on the Rega Elex R or Luxman L507u amps, particularly in reference to how much sonic benefit / difference I might hear from my old Technics I’d be keen to hear their thoughts.

Someone came to visit this evening, must have liked what he heard.