I'd like commenting again, of the mods would be so kind. My loose Toggle Switch Knurled Nut may have been an isolated incident. One kept coming loose, the other never did, on the two switches on front of the machine.
As I understand it, the Clearaudio Smart Mtrix is as well MDF Case, just silver painted, rather than black laminate.
I respect Harry, and what he has done with the 16.5, a very good machine, which he's tried to keep low in price to be affordable to more people. Doubtful that the Clearaudio cleans an better than the VPI, and to me that is of basically the most importance.
But, I've made note of some minor differences. For one, see the nicer lid hinges on the Smart Matrix? That's what VPI should've used on the 16.5, and a slightly larger Lid, that sat on top of the cabinet, not within the cabinet, thus ending the possibility of cracking the vacuum wands.
A Cork Mat? yes, a forgiving material, but one that is hard, if not impossible to clean, and keep clean. If cork was so good, how come Loricraft machines aren't using it?
Just those two little issues should not have drastically increased the price of the 16.5, a change from cork mat to rubber, and an inch larger lid, with two different hinges. The difference in cost to VPI would be what, about $5? And the waterproofing I previously mention, would cost around 65 cents per machine, and 10 minutes time.
The 16.5 is not so complex, that one should be intimidated by it, it is realtively simple to play with, and I do wholeheartedly suggest anyone who owns one, pop it open, and give it a peek. Mark
As I understand it, the Clearaudio Smart Mtrix is as well MDF Case, just silver painted, rather than black laminate.
I respect Harry, and what he has done with the 16.5, a very good machine, which he's tried to keep low in price to be affordable to more people. Doubtful that the Clearaudio cleans an better than the VPI, and to me that is of basically the most importance.
But, I've made note of some minor differences. For one, see the nicer lid hinges on the Smart Matrix? That's what VPI should've used on the 16.5, and a slightly larger Lid, that sat on top of the cabinet, not within the cabinet, thus ending the possibility of cracking the vacuum wands.
A Cork Mat? yes, a forgiving material, but one that is hard, if not impossible to clean, and keep clean. If cork was so good, how come Loricraft machines aren't using it?
Just those two little issues should not have drastically increased the price of the 16.5, a change from cork mat to rubber, and an inch larger lid, with two different hinges. The difference in cost to VPI would be what, about $5? And the waterproofing I previously mention, would cost around 65 cents per machine, and 10 minutes time.
The 16.5 is not so complex, that one should be intimidated by it, it is realtively simple to play with, and I do wholeheartedly suggest anyone who owns one, pop it open, and give it a peek. Mark