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VPI Classic

I recently purchased a VPI Classic and a Benz Micro Gullwing SLR. I am having a problem with the tonearm. When I play a record the tonearm wobbles back and forth. I had my dealer look at it, and they are not sure what is causing this problem. We looked at two other VPI's and they looked rock solid while playing compared to mine. I have tried calling VPI numerous times to see what they have to say regarding this issue, but have not been able to get through to them on the phone.

I have tried adjusting VTF from 1.9 to 2.1 with no change to the wobble. I have tried adjusting the Azimuth numerous time, and it still wobbles. Does anyone else have this issue? Is this normal? This is my first unipivot, so I am not sure if this is typical.
rick_hilton
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
5,112 posts
 
There is a difference between VPI's Super platter and the aluminum one that has now become the reference...it is used on the rim drive Superscout. The difference is mainly that the aluminum platter is less weighty and focuses more on the upper frequencies. I don't get the feeling that it RINGS....there is no overhang or sustaining of those highs that I can hear. Aluminum is much easier to get perfectly round so that its timing is a we bit better than the Superplatter. Used with the VPI clamp and ring, they both are excellent....just a bit different.
suteetat
435 posts
 
Actusreus, awhile ago TTweight was offering copper mat for VPI Classic along with it free 1 lb center weight as a package here on agon. I no longer see that offer on agon or on their site any more.
I never used VPI clamp as I ordered my Classic with peripheral ring clamp so it came with VPI/HR-X center weight instead of the standard threaded clamp. Both HR-X center weight and TTweight clamp are unthreaded and fit right on the spindle. I don't see any washer on the spindle.
naunc
9 posts
 
The aluminium VPI platter sounds fine on its own. The Boston graphite mat was an unambiguous improvement with my previous Scout table (acrylic platter) but the Classic's strengths are much more evident without the mat. The Classic perhaps shades to the cool and dry side of neutral, but I wouldn't call it hard or bright. Stringreen, I'd be curious to know how you would describe the sound of the aluminium platter with and without the VPI ring (if this is the combination you have).

Actusreus, I remove the washer whenever I use the ring.
actusreus
733 posts
 
Naunc,
Interesting! I tried the Boston mat with the Scout but I thought it didn't improve anything so I shelved it. I agree about the Classic's character, and I also think it sounds great on its own. I now use the copper ring with warped records, and don't use with it flat ones. Larry from TTWeights claims the copper mat will elevate the Classic's performance big time, and I might eventually try it, but for now the Classic sounds great as is.
naunc
9 posts
 
Yes, I use the ring now only when the record needs it, and to be honest I'm happy enough to continue doing that. One of these days I'll learn to quit while I'm ahead. Having said that, today I tried removing the plastic anti-skate attachment from the tonearm (I'm in the anti-anti-skate camp) and thought it sounded noticeably better without it.
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