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TNT Hot Rod vs SL-1200G

Thinking of buying this used TNT Hot Rod: Sale description
Fantastic condition reference level VPI TNT table with upgrades. Currently has solid elephant feet in lieu of the finicky air bladder ones that came with the table. Essentially a TNT V HR specification with upgraded stand alone flywheel and motor assemblies. The arm is a JMW 12 and currently has a rare vintage Klipsch MCZ cartridge mounted (included at asking price). If buyer is interested I can sell the and the custom equipment stand shown which has a large top to accommodate this table. Has several other accessories that come with it for setup not shown as well as a VPI PLC.
It seems like a good deal for 3500 compared to the new technics at 4000.
Any guidance appreciated.
 Thanks,
Jim
jetson
testpilot
233 posts
 
@cleeds  and @bpoletti 

I believe that this is the VPI TNT that the OP is referring to here
http://www.audioasylumtrader.com/ca/listing/Turntables/VPI/TNT-HR/Complete-w-Cartridge-and-Stand/187...The only thing that the seller changed was swapping out the leaky air bladders. Like I previously mentioned, I have never seen a TNT with corner towers like that.
Post removed 
tzh21y
1,377 posts
 
I think if you want a VPI, you have to look for an older Aries with a Graham arm or something like that.  The Aries tables are VPIs best IMO
bpoletti
1,004 posts
 
@tzh21y My opinion....

Could not agree more about early Aries tables. I would go a bit farther to suggest an Aries Extended with a JMW-12 arm sitting on Stillpoint cones is VERY hard to beat AT ANY COST OR BUDGET.

That said, early VPI TNTs are quite good and more dependent on cartridge performance than the basic table itself.  Modification of early TNTs is quite common.  I have a heavily modified early TNT that is quite good, IMO better than a standard TNT. 

But that's just my opinion.

Disclosure: I have not recently heard any of the current VPI Avenger series tables, nor any of the other top of the line Clear Audio or other massively expensive tables.
bdp24's avatar
bdp24
4,908 posts
 
An Aries 1 can be picked up for a ridiculously low price, or else I just got real lucky. An Aries plinth (with cone feet) and motor (in a 16 lb. stainless steel pod)---a complete Aries except for it’s missing platter and bearing---came along for $400, so I snapped it up. I then kept an eye out for an Aries 1 platter (7/8" lead-lined aluminum bottom layer with cork covering, 3/8" Delrin top layer, 15 lbs.) and bearing (1" stainless steel threaded housing). I found the pair for $300, so for $700 had a real nice table for less than the price of most entry-level tables. Pretty much as good as a TNT, some say. All it takes is persistence and patience.
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