Frequently Asked Questions

GENERAL QUESTIONS

• Frequently asked questions about the Aries Turntable.
• My VPI record clamp came with a rubber washer. What am I supposed to do with it?
• How much shelf space am I going to need for my new TNT?
• How much shelf space am I going to need for my new Aries?
• I'd like to add the flywheel to my VPI turntable. How much extra shelf space will I need?
• VPI offers many upgrades for its products; can I install these upgrades myself, or do I need to have them installed by the factory or an authorized dealer?
• How do I lubricate my Aries?

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - ARIES

• What is the difference between the Aries and the Aries 3? The Aries 3 uses the inverted bearing design pioneered in the Scout, and refined to new heights in the HR-X.

In the Aries 3, a larger clear acrylic platter similar to the HR-X (fits the periphery ring clamp) with a longer version of the Scout bearing is used. This is a highly recommended upgrade for all Aries 1 owners. A highly recommended upgrade for all Aries 1 owners.

• Why an inverted bearing design? It is very quiet, dynamic, and free of random motion. This is due to the stability of the inverted design where the thrust ball is placed below where the record rests. The belt is driving the platter through the middle of the bearing assembly instead of two to three inches away from the center of the bearing assembly. There is no generation of teeter-totter motion.

• Can the Aries 3 fit the 12” JMW tonearms? No, if you want the 12” versions of the JMW arm you have to get TNT or HR-X turntables. The JMW 10" arms will fit the Aries 3

• Why are there grooves on the Aries 3 motor pulley? The motor on all versions of the Aries 3 uses a two step pulley for 33 and 45 speed. The consumer has speed adjustability by moving the belt up or down in the grooves. You can change belts and correct speed with a strobe disc. Perfect speed, at no additional cost.

• How do I clean the Aries 3? The chassis and platter are cleaned with any glass cleaner and a lint free cloth. The motor assembly can be cleaned with a lint free cloth sprayed with a touch of WD-40. The belt should be cleaned using alcohol. The motor pulley should be cleaned using a Q-tip dipped in alcohol and touched to the pulley while running.

• How do I lubricate my Aries 3? Once a year wipe some Lithium based grease or "Magic Lube" on the platter bearing shaft and put a dab on the ball. The motor is lubricated with two drops of 40 weight motor oil on the brass motor shaft below the black pulley.

• Can my Aries be upgraded to the Aries 3? Yes, the new Aries 3 platter and bearing assembly will drop into your Aries 1 with little work.

• What is the change made to the feet of the Aries 2 & 3? The neoprene isolators were removed and a solid rod from the cone foot into the chassis of the Aries 3 is now used. A poron washer is placed between the cone foot and the chassis. This upgrade fits all Aries and gives you greater detail, faster bass, and a more dynamic presentation.

• My VPI record clamp came with a rubber washer. What am I supposed to do with it?
The rubber washer is placed over the turntable's spindle below the record. This prevents "dishing" of the LP.

• How much shelf space am I going to need for my new HR-X or TNT?
The HR-X and TNT requires a shelf that is 27" wide and 21" deep.

• How much shelf space am I going to need for my new Aries?
The Aries requires a space of 22" wide by 16" deep for its frame. The footprint of the Aries' legs measure 19" wide by 13" deep. A 24" wide by 18" deep shelf is required if you plan on using the optional dust cover.

• How much shelf space am I going to need for my Scout, Scoutmaster?
The Scout and Scoutmaster chassis requires a space of 19" wide by 14" deep for its frame. The footprint of the Scout and Scout Master legs measures 16" wide by 11" deep.

• VPI offers many upgrades for its products. Can I install these upgrades myself, or do I need to have them installed by the factory or an authorized dealer?
VPI products are designed to be modular and easily upgradeable. All of the available upgrades can be performed by the consumer, and no special skills or tools are required.

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