Letters to the Editor

Best Yet "Letter to the Editor"

Michael Fremer  |  May 12, 2014

Dear michael:

I have sent you numerous emails on recommended advice of high end turntables, given that you review products of this type.

I would have thought your expert opinion would have assisted me in the appropriate turntable given the amount of turntables in the market which tend to echo the same sentiment of being unique world class etc.

To be frank I have received nothing short of evasiveness and nothing more than a brand of recommendation. If this is the best you can come up with, I will be quite honest with you and suggest that your reviews are not worth the pen on paper.

I would have thought common courtesy to respond would be the professional thing to do. As far as spending anymore of my own time reading your articles and consider such purchase based on your reviews, I wont be making the effort as such.

I would rather communicate and seek advice from other reviewers who can be confident and provide me with the proper support and advice to seek equipment that they actually own, as opposed to someone who bounces between products and throw their two bobs worth.

good luck,

Charlie "C"

COMMENTS
Richman's picture
Submitted by Richman on Mon, 2014-05-12 08:35

Charlie, here's what you do:

1. Buy VPI Classic 3 in Rosewood with 3D arm
2. Stop reading turntable reviews
3. Enjoy music

Michael Fremer's picture
Submitted by Michael Fremer on Mon, 2014-05-12 08:55
Here is what I sent him that caused such offense:

'If I had 30K I'd buy the VPI Classic Direct Drive. It may not have sexy looks but it's the closest sounding to the Continuum. Among your choices, I'd go for the Spiral Groove. I wonder why Brinkmann Balance isn't on your list?"

I guess he was expecting personalized "full reviews" of half a dozen turntables.

kenkirk's picture
Submitted by kenkirk on Mon, 2014-05-12 09:59

Guess the tone of the emails if he does not like the suggested table, or worse ,the table breaks. :) Its all related to the moon phase.

Ken

ps, I would have suggested a British cd player...

Glotz's picture
Submitted by Glotz on Mon, 2014-05-12 10:18

Read the magazine already. Sheesh.

Mikey is such a tirelessly nice and helpful person, that spending time out of his work for the above response is commendable and only proves he is pure class in the first place.

isaacrivera's picture
Submitted by isaacrivera on Mon, 2014-05-12 09:08

Unless, as Michael suggested, I had the 30K, in which case, I would go for the Classic Direct.

isaacrivera's picture
Submitted by isaacrivera on Mon, 2014-05-12 09:11

I put my mouth where my money's worth, and that is exactly what I did. VPI Classic 3 in Rosewood + 3D tonearm. Can't be happier, and when I get up in the morning and walk into my music room, I can't believe I own that gorgeous, sweet sounding piece of equipment.

Jim Tavegia's picture
Submitted by Jim Tavegia on Mon, 2014-05-12 09:28

Isn't he obligated to buy an RP 10?

Kurt's picture
Submitted by Kurt on Mon, 2014-05-12 10:07

There is the presumption that you should personally answer his questions. Not only do some people now expect free content, they complain when the content doesn't meet their needs.

Rick Tomaszewicz's picture
Submitted by Rick Tomaszewicz on Mon, 2014-05-12 10:13

...why royalty don't rely on their court musicians for the latest madrigals, pavanes and galliards.

Ortofan's picture
Submitted by Ortofan on Mon, 2014-05-12 10:24

...then something from Michell or SME ought to suffice.

Did the guy ever describe the rest of his system?
How many records does he own?

isaacrivera's picture
Submitted by isaacrivera on Mon, 2014-05-12 10:49

Swing by my place in Brooklyn and, at my convenience, adjust the VTA and azimuth on my new table? Your articles on the subject have me convinced it is off, so its your fault.

Trevor Gearhart's picture
Submitted by Trevor Gearhart on Mon, 2014-05-12 12:23

Michael,

I recommend sending me a VPI Classic 3 in Rosewood with 3D arm so I can verify your recommendation.

We can use this same process for your other reviews as well.

audiof001's picture
Submitted by audiof001 on Mon, 2014-05-12 12:42

… he sounds so fascinating and well heeled… not! His taste in reviewers is top notch, though.

Martin's picture
Submitted by Martin on Tue, 2014-05-13 01:53

You mean you would reccommend the VPI over the SME 30 with the 12" tonearm???

I was looking at the SME if and when I ever upgrade from the 20.
But the VPI is better???!!!

Michael Fremer's picture
Submitted by Michael Fremer on Tue, 2014-05-13 08:21
But in my opinion the VPI Classic Direct Drive with 3D Printed arm is among a handful of the best turntables I've heard and I think better than the SME 30. I will be visiting SME directly after the Munich show.
Brother John's picture
Submitted by Brother John on Tue, 2014-05-13 02:49

Friday at Lyric HIFI in NYC and I agree with Michael 100%.
If I were shopping In the price of $30K or even double The VPI Classic Direct would be my first purchase choice. I've also heard the SME 30 a few times and feel the VPI Is much better sounding but It's also new technology. The 20 & 30 SME models have been around for 20 years.

Martin's picture
Submitted by Martin on Tue, 2014-05-13 05:13

Seriously, the VPI over the SME 30/12??

Because for me, the SME, the 20 was already one of the nicest I've heard.

Michael Fremer's picture
Submitted by Michael Fremer on Wed, 2014-05-14 01:57
SME20 is a very nice turntable of course... but the VPI Direct Drive is something else..
Halcro's picture
Submitted by Halcro on Tue, 2014-05-13 05:36

"the VPI Is much better sounding but It's also new technology."
So what were those super direct drives that Technics, Kenwood, Denon, JVC/Victor, Pioneer et al were producing 35 years ago?

Michael Fremer's picture
Submitted by Michael Fremer on Tue, 2014-05-13 08:24
The issue isn't necessarily belt vs. direct drive nor are all belt drives and direct drives designed and built the same. In this case VPI is using a Thingap motor, which is a true zero cogging motor that was definitely not available in those 35 year old turntables. It's the same motor used in the belt drive Continuum… but in addition to the motor is the drive system, which these days is more of a computerized, software driven system than was possible back then...
Halcro's picture
Submitted by Halcro on Wed, 2014-05-14 02:13

Hi Mikey,
Whilst I appreciate your enthusiasm in hearing a really fine DD turntable.....a BETTER motor does not really make it "new technology"....?
During analogue's halcyon days of the late 70s early 80s when the Japanese giants could afford to spend tens of millions in R & D costs......many different motor designs appeared including coreless ones which reduced cogging significantly.
Nobody warned prospective purchases to be wary of the NEW technology because of these new motor designs....?
Belt-drive designers have also used many varied and improved motors over the decades,,,including DC, AC, low torque and high torque...yet never have I seen a 'warning' about these NEW technologies.

Many modern DD turntables have utilised new and improved motors including the Rockport Sirius III, NVS, Grand Prix Monaco and now VPI...yet their performances rarely match the great Japanese DD turntables of the past..https://picasaweb.google.com/109117308523691693879/20130126#slideshow/60...
That's the print-out of my JVC/Victor TT-101....the turntable Harry Weisfeld used as inspiration for his new VPI Direct....and as for computerisation..? https://picasaweb.google.com/109117308523691693879/VICTORTTINNARDS#slide...
Mark Doehmann tells me that as fine as the VPI Direct is....the Caliburn is still better...?
Both you and he may not be the most objective of judges for this sort of shoot-out...:-)
I hear the Caliburn in direct comparison to my TT-101 on a regular basis and the TT-101 is worth hearing.......

Michael Fremer's picture
Submitted by Michael Fremer on Wed, 2014-05-14 06:34
Did I issue a "warning"? Not sure to what you refer. I have reviewed the Grand Prix Monaco, the NVS and the Rockport System III Sirius. For whatever reason or reasons I don't feel the Monaco or NVS compete sonically with the VPI. The System III Sirius is something else and difficult to compare because of the addition of the air bearing platter and arm. No doubt HW was inspired by the JVC/Victor as was Mark Doehmann, who ended up with a belt drive in the Caliburn for a variety of reasons at the time. However complex was/is the "guts" of the motor in your TT, there have been technological advances in computerized motor control systems that were no available to designers in the 1970s—there were other assets available to designers in the 1970s of course, mostly in the form of $$$$$ because then vinyl was king. As I wrote in the VPI review, the Caliburn is still better than the VPI but it's also 5X more expensive and I can't say it's 5X better! The tonearm mount system in the Caliburn and the use of cast magnesium alloy in one versus MDF in the other does have sonic consequences!
Halcro's picture
Submitted by Halcro on Wed, 2014-05-14 18:30

I was responding to a Post by Brother John....a couple of Posts above mine....who appeared to be warning prospective buyers about the fact that the VPI Direct was a 'risk' because it was "new technology"?
Sorry for the confusion........

Jay's picture
Submitted by Jay on Tue, 2014-05-13 06:45

I suppose as an alternative option this gentleman could have done what I do when I'm looking for an upgrade, visit a dealer and listen to some music on their equipment. Hell, a really good dealer whom you've built a relationship with will often let you have the kit on approval.

Paul Boudreau's picture
Submitted by Paul Boudreau on Tue, 2014-05-13 07:06

I thought I heard petulant stamping of feet in the background.

Martin's picture
Submitted by Martin on Tue, 2014-05-13 08:42

I will be organising a listen to one, as soon as possible.
It sounds like this will be my next turntable.

marcel_kyrie's picture
Submitted by marcel_kyrie on Tue, 2014-05-13 10:33

Best to keep your paying customers happy, Mike. Just refund the the money he paid you for your consulting services, and apologize for not living up to his expectations.

minnmark's picture
Submitted by minnmark on Tue, 2014-05-13 14:41

How about a VPI Classic I, a Sumiko Blackbird, a LKV phono preamp, and spend the rest on vinyl ?

Michael Fremer's picture
Submitted by Michael Fremer on Wed, 2014-05-14 01:59
That is a nice set-up but don't expect the Direct Drive sound! Still, you'd have a lot more music...
myheroiscoltrane's picture
Submitted by myheroiscoltrane on Tue, 2014-05-13 18:30

With what I believe now to be a very naive question, and he was very fast, gracious, and helpful. So fast, indeed, that I found myself believing that he is in this business for the love above all other motives. Rock on, Mikey! We're all behind you!

Btw, I LOVE my classic 1 in black with soundsmith VPI zephyr and periphery clamp. Wish I had the 30 grand for the classic direct, but I don't pine that much, because even the entry level in this line is so sweet!

Martin's picture
Submitted by Martin on Wed, 2014-05-14 00:40

Michael has been pretty much unfailing in responding. Answers come fast, are direct and to the point.
Michael played a major role in my deciding on my turntable, an SME and the cartridge, a Lyra Skala. Additionally, Michaels opinions will play a big role when I upgrade.

Jim's picture
Submitted by Jim on Tue, 2014-05-13 20:48

Over the years I've made a circuitous audio journey from LPs to CDs to hires downloads and finally back to LPs (fortunately I hung on to my record collection). Recently I purchased a Pro-ject rm 10.1 turntable with a Blackbird cartridge and have enjoyed rediscovering the beauty of analog sound ("there is so much there, there"!)

I'd like some advice from you good people about upgrading my phono pre-amp from an Audio Research PH-1 (yes, it still works). I've tested other AR phono pre-amps, including the the Phono 2 SE, but frankly, I couldn't appreciate a 12K degree of improved sound from such units. Any recommendations? Would something like the Parasound JC3+ be a noticeable upgrade? Thanks.

Martin's picture
Submitted by Martin on Wed, 2014-05-14 00:46

I think the EAR 834P phono preamp from Tim de Paravicini is unbeatable for the price. But change out the stock tubes for something better. It improves the sound.

The preamp I really liked and that I ended up buying was the EAR 324. A solid state preamp. Over the EAR 88PB. The 324 I felt opened things up a bit more.

Jim's picture
Submitted by Jim on Wed, 2014-05-14 08:46

Thanks for the recommendation, Martin. I'll check these out. The 6K price tag of the EAR324, upon first consideration, seems a little steep for my budget, although in the long run it may be more lastingly satisfying (and perhaps more economical). Nevertheless, the EAR834P, especially the black box model, is certainly tempting at $1900!

AnalogJ's picture
Submitted by AnalogJ on Wed, 2014-05-14 15:01

Harrrrrummmppppphhhhh! Michael, I have invited you up to my place in Salem, Massachusetts, to check out my awesome system (!!!!) but you have not responded in spite of my insulting your tin ears. What gives with not coming up on the date and time stated in my email invitation?!? And no response to my assertion saying that my .mp3 player has it all over any good analog setup, as exemplified by my good friend of 50 years' setup of a Close and Play in his basement, which his mother lets him use after eating all of his vegetables. The portable digital player I won at the Willows Arcade with the special edition My Little Pony earbuds, using all 300 tickets I accrued from my 5 hours of Ski-Ball, is as good as it gets and has it all over his Close and Play. Anyone who thinks otherwise has eyes and ears in the sand and probably watches MSNBC.

For the last time, are you or are you not coming up to check out my kick ass portable digital player home audio system?!?

simon's picture
Submitted by simon on Thu, 2014-05-15 04:15

Sweet! I've got an Ortofon Rondo Blue on a Pro-Ject RPM9.1 running into a Lehmann Black Cube SE. I'm thinking of replacing the deck with a Rega RP6 because it's less fiddly. Any thoughts on how it might gel with the cart and pre?

Thanks!!!

jkingtut's picture
Submitted by jkingtut on Thu, 2014-05-15 11:58

All these 20 years reading Michael and not knowing he is (was) available for my personal attention? Who knew. My 21 year old (George) Merrill with Fidelity Research Tonearm and Sumiko Blackbird (more recent) is doing fine thank you, although it won't play my Robert Johnson or any other 45's. One day....

D Pully's picture
Submitted by D Pully on Thu, 2014-05-15 14:05

I just want to know if I should consider spending the $3k to replace the arm on my old Classic 3 with a 3D arm? In other words, how much of the wonderfulness of the DD is due to the arm and how much to the DD?

Gerryn's picture
Submitted by Gerryn on Thu, 2014-05-15 19:22

Did I make a critical error in buying the Avid Volvere SP and not the VPI Classic 3, other than being unpatriotic? Tell me please...... Thanks.

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