Here's what I did (flamesuit on) ... same table, 12.5 Memorial arm, etc. ... got tired of the urge to tweak and play, and removed everything except the motor ... bask in simplicity ... move motor over, and connect motor to platter via dental floss ... enjoy. Okay, we also measured the heck out of everything along the way and discovered it's actually a teeny bit quieter. All due, I believe, to eliminating all the extra spinning things and belts...Oh, and those bladder things, etc., toss them out and go, like VPI did, to handballs. Seriously, VPI used handballs. Or was it squash balls?
Downsizing from VPI HW-19
Hey all,
I've been a more-or-less happy owner of a VPI HW-19 Mk.4 for the past few years, but I've found I'm more of a vinyl appreciator than a devotee. That said, I do ferret out the best pressings on discogs and other venues of certain lp's I want, and my VPI (with Benz Ace S cartridge) DOES produce a hauntingly beautiful sound through the Jolida JD9 Mk. 2 phono than my Rotel 1072 does through the Jolida FX DAC. But I feel I'm constantly fussing with VTF, azimuth, and the need to level the three-screw platter of the HW-19. I even bought a dial indicator and clamp and still have a devil of a time. I finally took out the three screws. But now am paranoid about a difference in sound.
In short, I find I'm listening to the vinyl system rather than the vinyl music.
I'm not really a mechanical guy. I mean, I'm happy soldering new tweeters into speakers, but I know I've already screwed up the SAMA by letting it contact the plinth when it shouldn't have. The sound's not affected, but I'm going to have to solder a new bearing motor into the SAMA.
What's a good downsize? I originally had a Project 5.1 SE with a Sumiko Blue Point before I acquired the VPI. But the VPI/Benz sound is beautiful and what I want, though. How can I downsize to a less demanding table and still have a warm and palpable sound?
Thank you for any and all feedback. Please be gentle.
s
I've been a more-or-less happy owner of a VPI HW-19 Mk.4 for the past few years, but I've found I'm more of a vinyl appreciator than a devotee. That said, I do ferret out the best pressings on discogs and other venues of certain lp's I want, and my VPI (with Benz Ace S cartridge) DOES produce a hauntingly beautiful sound through the Jolida JD9 Mk. 2 phono than my Rotel 1072 does through the Jolida FX DAC. But I feel I'm constantly fussing with VTF, azimuth, and the need to level the three-screw platter of the HW-19. I even bought a dial indicator and clamp and still have a devil of a time. I finally took out the three screws. But now am paranoid about a difference in sound.
In short, I find I'm listening to the vinyl system rather than the vinyl music.
I'm not really a mechanical guy. I mean, I'm happy soldering new tweeters into speakers, but I know I've already screwed up the SAMA by letting it contact the plinth when it shouldn't have. The sound's not affected, but I'm going to have to solder a new bearing motor into the SAMA.
What's a good downsize? I originally had a Project 5.1 SE with a Sumiko Blue Point before I acquired the VPI. But the VPI/Benz sound is beautiful and what I want, though. How can I downsize to a less demanding table and still have a warm and palpable sound?
Thank you for any and all feedback. Please be gentle.
s
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- 18 posts total
Here's an article on TT setup. The person who wrote it was considered to be one of the very best in the industry. http://brooksberdanltd.com/turntable-setup-by-richard-hardesty |
simao, I have almost 3 decades of experience with my VPI jr that morphed into a VPI Mk IV with all of the extras most haven't experienced. From 1992 - 2013. I went through installing a SAMA at one point. In order to make it work properly, depending upon which iteration of the SAMA.. mine is the later version, the earlier ones were a cylindrical enclosure, I had to modify the back left corner block in order fro the SAMA to sit in the correct position for proper speed (assuming you are without a SDS). I've been through ALL of the trials and tribulations. I have my modified HW-19 base that accepts all of my years of experience/parts and included would be my knowledge and help and accessories in order to get you up and running with the TT you currently own and love. If you're interested, shoot me a PM. Cheers. |
Anyone here looking for drop in high quality alternative for a stock VPI HW-19 Mk IV, I've got what you need.. (1) Oak base modified to accept my long history with the best alternative to VPI's springs/or pucks. I've got the replacements included. (2) I have a Mk IV plinth that I used with my upgrades. (3) The base includes Edensounds bearpaw jrs. (4) I have an original, one owner (me) VPI tall dust cover, all hardware included. (5) I have a, (one of THE best VPI platters (non-inverted bearing type) w/ the bearing that I hate to let go but may be persuaded if the price is right. There may be more... Your one-stop guy here. Cheers! |
- 18 posts total