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
Mat,
As a VPI owner, I have to say I am disappointed in your response to the OP.  Customers shouldn't have to hear the littany of reasons why you were unable to respond.  Not their issue.  Also missing was an apology in your response to the OP regarding the failure of your dealer or your direct service.  Don't mean to sound rude, just being direct.  I grew up in a family business as well, and spent my entire career in Fortune 500 companies.  My Dad used to tell me "the customer is always right".  We would bend over backwards to provide great service.
Don't ask the customer to call back.  It is your job to return their calls, not for them to have to follow up with you.  I hate when businesses don't return calls.   Your turntables are very expensive, as are all high end products.  Customers pay a lot, and as such, should expect first rate service.  Otherwise, there are many other alternative products that can meet their needs, at a substantially lower price.
chesterdad,

I agree with you. Several issues I mentioned weren't answered as well.

However, right now I'm just happy to finally have a path forward to hopefully have my issues addressed. Mat, I will email you  after the holidays.


@autospec if it is Seattle we are talking about it makes sense, we fired those guys because all they cared about was margin, we are in the process of re-building Seattle with better, educated, passionate dealers. Again, when you’re up for it feel free to count what parts it is you need and VPI can help you out directly.

@chesterdad I agree that I addressed the attacks a bit more than the OP but with @slaw having my direct email it will all get resolved. If I had his number I would gladly give him or anyone a call.
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