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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
cory1985
5 posts
 
The population of consumers financially able to buy a VPI, Clearaudio, Rega, Oracle, etc turntable is a community of music lovers with disposable income to purchase these wonderful products. Be thankful you are in this community and remember patience and treat others with respect and humility, especially around the holiday seasons. I am not a VPI owner, I own a Clearaudio. However, VPI has not been in business for as long as they have without reason. Please keep the Wiesfeld family in your prayers because losing loved ones prematurely can harden one's heart and it appears their family has had their share of loss and still do a really good job at making a quality product.
slaw's avatar
slaw OP
21,439 posts
 
cory1985,

With respect to your comment, a lovely comment, however not very applicable to any business model anyone would be likely to support if it weren't a high-end tt manufacturer who's customers represent a low # in regards to the musically inclined population vs, any other standard business model. I hope you come out of your depression soon.

Finally!!
I have a tracking number for a (new) ADS. This is a replacement for my (suspected), faulty, SDS.

Without going into detail on all of the emails, VPI has just sent me a tracking # for a replacement item. To their credit, my faulty SDS was out of warranty. They did not have to send me a new unit. I initially asked to have my SDS repaired. After not receiving any other response, I inquired again. Now, they want to replace with an new ADS. After realizing that the SDS was not  being manufactured any longer ((on my own)). I requested the new ADS.

To their discredit, they never really gave me a viable option. Their emails were vague and left me wondering their meaning.

After an email from Marc stating they would build a unit and ship it within two days...that two day window turned into almost two weeks without hearing a word. Yesterday, I emailed again. Another apology and a promise to send the new unit w/ tracking # today. At around 2:30 EST, I emailed again. I finally received the tracking # today.

So to the person who said earlier, the loudest voice gets the best service...(something like that), not really.

Very SLOW service actually. I only hope the ADS performs well?
cory1985
5 posts
 
Thank you for your concern about my depression, except there is one problem, I am not depressed. Are you a licensed psychologist or psychiatrist?
slaw's avatar
slaw OP
21,439 posts
 
cory1985,

Your initial response that stated your impressions of how one could, or in this case, one's family business could be affected years after their loved one's have passed in a way that could continually be a negative affect on their prized customers years later, seems to me to lead one to assume that (you) have a better "read" on these types of issues more than most. I could only assume this led you to respond in the way you did. Your insight would lead me to believe that (you) are the enlightened one in the area of psychology?

I am just reporting on my long history, you injected another aspect that you now have to support.


phoenixengr's avatar
phoenixengr
92 posts
 
There really is no reason to replace your SDS with the ADS. In my informed opinion, the ADS is clearly inferior to the SDS in almost every measurable way.  Aside from the difference in technology, if you look at VPI's forum, there are a number of complaints regarding the ADS and mechanical hum that may be objectionable to some users.

If you would like me to repair your SDS, I would be glad to do so at no charge. Contact me directly: bill@phoenix-engr.com.
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