Recently acquired this table.
I have to say that I recently heard a Clearaudio and a Brinkmann that both cost significantly more. Both had higher end cartridges.
IMHO I believe that the VPI is superior to both. This is using an entry level cartridge (ortofon quintet black which I purchased after my koetsu died).
I was not sure about the Nordost wire at first, as there are some people on the forum that like the midrange on the VPI/Discovery type better. But after extensive breakin which is hard with such a small signal the Nordost is vastly superior.
Top to bottom this turntable just sings and extracts more detail than any other I have heard to date. I am in this hobby over 40 years.
For many this will be the EOL table. I can't imagine getting better bass definition, bottom end extention, sweeter vocals, delicate and sustained cymbal brushes, dimentionality and width and depth of Soundstage as this rig. Maybe when I eventually upgrade the cartridge.
But this proves that the base turntable design is a large contributor to the sound. I know some will say a cartridge upgrade or other upgrade will yield greater benefit.
I guess having the foundation is equally as important.
Thank you Mat for designing a reasonably priced product for the masses.