2. analog
  3. 136696-1659

FYI if thinking about adding a Single Motor Flywheel to a VPI Prime

Just took possession of a SMFA  to add to my VPI  Prime and have these facts to share. First thing, the SMFA sits 7/8" higher than the motor/ housing that is supplied with the Prime so you will have to raise table or lower SMFA to have enough clearance to clear the platter, also you will need a shelf/maple platform at least 26" wide for the table to sit on, 24" is not enough. I am currently using a Symposium ISO platform on top of my maple shelf and love the results but am going to have to purchase a 26" one to make this all fit, with that said I am thinking of having it built with the section the motor assembly sits on cut out and a Symposium Svelte shelf built the size of the opening which will sit on the maple shelf satisfying the 7/8" difference needed. Now here is my delima , does anyone see an issue with the motor assembly sitting firmly on the Svelte shelf sitting firmly on the maple shelf driving the platter/ table sitting on the spring loaded ISO shelf. What say you?
tooblue
melm
309 posts
 
I use a SMFA with a VPI TNT.  I highly recommend any flywheel, physical or electric (as in SDS or equivalent).  Each such addition has made a discernible difference in the SQ.

That being said, and given that the Prime is currently VPI's biggest seller, and given the cost of a SMFA, I do not understand why VPI does not make a SMFA that will fit the Prime without the hassle tooblue is experiencing.  I have had my SMFA completely apart and I can see absolutely no reason why it cannot be sized to be a perfect match to the Prime.  IMO Prime owners should flood the VPI forum with this request.
brf
1,699 posts
 
@tooblue, other than cost, I see no problem with a machine shop removing some of the material off the bottom of the motor housing. 
tooblue OP
787 posts
 
@brf , thanks for your response, the cost factor actually isn't a factor at all as a friend is willing to do the work at his machine shop in his spare time.
tooblue OP
787 posts
 
@melm , your info is appreciated, I have stashed my unit away till I have decided how to approach this issue and the info of you disassembling yours was good to hear.
tooblue OP
787 posts
 
Ok FWIW I got everything in place to add the SMFA to my Prime, 28" X 20" Symposium ISO platform 28" X 20" X 3" maple shelf and needed new belts, cleaned and lubed bearings, the height differences was not an issue as I originally thought, the table set up easily, everything fell into place and after setting speed on 45 and 33 I set back for a listen. First thing is the motor was dead quiet on both speeds, a problem I had from day one with the Prime motor, it was so loud on 45 I quit buying 45rpm albums , not no more. The speed was perfect on my strobe and no signs of wavering it was smack on perfect. The principle of a flywheel always appealed to me as it just seems to make sense, all I can say is this could be the most significant upgrade I have ever done to my analog side of things, I could never look back. The only issue is I feel the need to help the motor get started by spinning the platter by turning my black Diamond Racing clamp as I start it. I just didn’t want someone to look at my original posting and get the idea that there would be an issue with a Prime matching up with these units, go for it.
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