VPI General Forum

Saw the “Audiophileman”’s recent YouTube review of the mat - scoring a unique 11/11 - and saw his follow up video on adding their weight for an even better sound, as suggested by his viewers. I bought both direct from the UK, and they could be returned if no good, as they are not cheap.

Happily this combination definitely improved the sound in different marginal but to me significant enough ways - especially more clarity, more space between the instruments and vocals, and a slightly wider soundstage.

Luckily I enjoy VPI’s Classic 3 with an Ortfofon Cadenza Black and several mods, such as a 12” 3D unipivot arm, VPI’s Reference wire in the arm and IsoAcoustic feet on top of a 4” MapleShade block, on top of 4 corner rubber and felt feet. I also use the Scout ‘speed controller’ combo (similar to VPI’s SDS).

Yes, I try to wring out the every last improvement in sound, but only if I can hear it and feel it is worth it.

Before I used VPI’s metal record rim and StillPoints LP1 record weight (like Harry W.). That combination was clearly an improvement on nothing before. It sounded better, more accurate but IMHO a little bit clinical, a little bit dry. It was not as warm and as organic, so not as ‘lifelike’ for want of a better summary.

Anyway my two cents. Enjoy your music!