VPI TNT MkIII - pluses and minuses?

Frogman, I “believe” that VPI stopped using the lead ring delrin platter in the TNT Mk2.

VPI used 2 different well type bearings during the TNT production. Mk 1-3 used a aluminum bearing housing with bronze bushings. TNT 4-6 used a stainless steel bearing housing with a rullon bushing and a large locking collar to affix the bearing to the plinth. The Super Platter utilizes an inverted bearing as does the VPI Classic platter. All former TNT platters, Super Platter, and Classic platter can be accommodated on an older TNT, although some may require a pipe like spacer. The only platter that a TNT cannot accomodate is the HRX platter

The VPI Classic is not learner than Mk5 and Super Platter, it is more dynamic and does not smear some inner detail. It becomes a matter of personal preference. BTW, I own the Mk5, Supper and Classic platters and I go back and forth between the Mk5 and Classic platter.

Brf, thanks for clarifying the issue of the bearings; I believe you are correct. Re the platters, take a look at this Mk3:

http://app.audiogon.com/listings/turntables-vpi-tnt-iii-turntable-2013-04-20-analog-33647-tampa-fl

Frogman, I don't believe that the platter pictured is a mk 3. The table has an original TNT 2 piece acrylic plinth, the towers and feet are mk1. The mk3 TNT has stainless steel towers with the elephant feet. There is nothing that I would consider mk 3 about the table linked in your post. In fact the table looks to be an original mk1 with an updated tri-pulley system.

Correction to my above post. IMHO, the table pictures is a mk 1 with an updated tri-pulley and updated " standalone" motor ( replacing the old square motor).

I've been all over the TNT with modifications since the mid '90s. The most significant improvements are replacement of soft rubber belts with thread drive, elimination of the three-pulley system, replacement of 600 RPM motor/pulley with 300 RPM assy, addition of outboard flywheel, addition of a good drive controller, and replacement of the soft sprung suspension with mass-loaded suspensionless pillars. It's a keeper f you're a tweaker.