Overview:
The Aries 3 Black Knight is VPI's newest creation. This killer turntable comes with a JMW-9 tonearm, inverted bearing, large black acrylic platter (to accomodate the Ring Clamp), TNT style chassis and Aries 300rpm motor assembly. This table is ideal for the audiophile who wants more sex appeal than the Scout.
The 1.75"-thick platter is comprised of black acrylic and incorporates an inverted bearing similar to that used in the HR-X. The bearing shaft is 60 Rockwell hardness, ground and polished, and the platter rotates on a Teflon/Delrin composite thrust plate for ultra low noise.
The solid black aluminum motor assembly is almost 10 pounds and contains a low noise 300-RPM AC synchronous motor with Delrin motor pulley. This is a very low noise system as the fundamental resonance of the motor is at 5 Hertz. Well below the ability of a cartridge to pick it up.
For improved stability and damping, the Aries' 3 chassis is made from a sandwich of 2 layers or 5/8” polished black acrylic top and bottom with a 5/8” thick aluminum center section, exactly like the HR-X chassis design. This makes for a very inert, very quiet, and extremely stable platform for the platter and tonearm to sit on. The plinth is supported by four aluminum cones, the bottoms of which are composed of hardened steel balls. The cone suspension when applied to the laminated HR-X type chassis provides outstanding rigidity and a wealth of information from the record grooves. They are adjustable for leveling.
Using so many parts from the HRX assures the sonic qualities of the Black Knight. A deep and wide soundstage is presented with the individual instruments all having their private space. Complex scoring and large orchestral works are unraveled in a highly musical way. Individual themes in a composition can be followed carefully in a manner that compliments the music. The Black Knight is like a clear window on the musical event. Very reminiscent of its much more expensive siblings.
Technically, the Black Knight has very low wow, flutter and rumble. The noise floor approaches that of the TNT/HRX series. The Black Knight has the ability to say calm when the music is not. Transients are first rate and on par with the best of the super tables.
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The JMW Memorial 9 Tonearm:
The JMW-9 tonearm is the perfect complement to the Black Knight, offering all of the advantages of a unipivot tonearm. The arm has a low friction bearing mounted on a solid stainless steel rod with markings to set VTA (Vertical Tracking Angle). As with the more expensive JMW-10 and JMW-12 arms, the tonearm assembly of the JMW-9 can be removed and replaced in seconds, allowing instant cartridge changes with multiple armwands. An RCA junction box allows any RCA-terminated interconnects to be used.
Table includes: 3 year manufacturer warranty.
Tonearm includes: Lifetime manufacturers guarantee.
Features:
HRX 1.75" thick platter
HRX bearing
TNT record clamp
TNT drive belt
Separate 300rpm motor assembly
Neoprene damped suspension
1 7/8" thick chassis
22" x 16" x 7 1/2"
Actual Footprint: 19"x13" |
