Confessions from a VPI owner of some 30 years


I would like to start with a humble apology to the OP of a thread I recently (overtook) for personal reasons. smrex13, I apologize to you and hope your audio journey going forward is joyous!

To donvito101, I made my remarks personal and for this I apologize.

I checked for remarks from yesterday on the "VPI Prime noise issues" (2 threads, why, I don't know) . I still find it odd that VPI did not remark on smrex13' original thread, only to his last thread that ended, "not VPI's fault".

I've had a couple of issues since purchasing my VPI Classic 3 SE Sig. one year ago. I sent, (through my dealer), an initial question about the arm tower's operation on Feb 2016. I was told it would be forwarded to VPI. As of today, I've not received one comment.

I've recently, in the past 3 months, had a vibration issue through the 3D arm when the SDS is set at 33rpm. It is not noticeable at 45 rpm. I feel it through the finger lift.

I've tried oiling the motor, cleaning the belt & new talcum, the spindle bearing is just like recommended with the proper grease etc...

I relayed all of this through my dealer who asked for pictures and I sent them. This was two weeks ago. As of today, not one word. Because of my last question through my dealer in Feb w/ no response, I'm a little weary.

OK. So, my position is.... I should go through the proper channels. The dealer, right? VPI has their sales set up through a dealer network. This, I assume, is to take a burden off of them so they can be focused on manufacturing?

We/I/ you, pay a premium for this? I assume it's around 100% added to the actual cost of manufacturing. So, if I have an issue, I should follow the way VPI has their dealer network set up and take my concerns to the dealer. If this is not the way things should work, why then, doesn't VPI just sell directly? We/me/the end user could save BIG BUCKS.

That's pretty much the whole issue. I have no idea why VPI does not want to make any effort to settle this issue.

Cheers!






128x128slaw
Although I have never owned a VPI TT and only thought about them occasionally. It looks to me as if Matt has taken control of the company and intends to carry on Harry's / Dads legacy.
Not Everything will be the same in a transition. Give VPI/Matt an occasional bump in the road.
Myself, I own an 88' vintage LP12 and a new Kuzma Stabi S with upgrades. 
I am happy with both TTs and my system at this time.

Merry Christmas and Best Wishes to all this Journey.
Having read this thread, and several much like it on VPI's forum, I wanted to add a word on the company's customer service.

That word is: Great.

I've been a VPI customer for 12 years.  I've climbed the ladder from the original Scout all the way to the HRX, (where I intend to stay), and have used JMW 9, 12.6, 12.7 and 3D arms.  My RCM is a VPI 16.5 which I bought used.  Anytime I've had a problem I've had tremendous support from VPI, occasionally from Harry himself.  On the only occasion when I've had a defective product (an original 12" 3D armtube which a subcontractor manufactured) VPI replaced it and stepped me through the process of retrofitting it to my HRX.  They even replaced the 'table's male arm pivot point at the factory for me, no charge.  Is VPI perfect?  No.  IMHO, they've suffered a bit from QC problems flowing from a massive expansion in both demand and product line that hit just as the management change from HW to Mat took place.  But even taking that into account, I'd rate VPI as one of the very best companies I've ever done business with in terms of both the quality of their products and the after-sale service I've received.  To those who are experiencing problems with your VPI product I'd offer this advice.  Pick up the phone.  Call VPI and calmly describe the problem.  They will work with you.  Given the time of year, you probably will have to wait until early January, but it will be worth it.  Just my $.02, but that sum was earned honestly through personal experience.  Good Luck!

Harry is disappointed IN ME? He should be disappointed at your customer service.  You have one hell of a nerve to post something like that.  Spare me Harry's tongue for I will tell him what to do with it.  Merry Christmas and now, Matt, please stop posting. 
This thread reminds me of my fav 80s sitcom, "Three's Company".  It's all just a big misunderstanding...Merry Christmas all!  
Merry Christmas to you too @cerrot I will not discouraged and my offer will still stand for both helping you with your turntable and for visiting our factory.  Lets talk after the holidays. :)

@gshepardbuster couldn’t agree more!

@zachteich and everyone else thank you for the support and helping to keep the love of music alive.