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Looking for guidance with older VPI HW-19 tables

I'm looking for a table without a tonearm. I'll be mounting a Hadcock GH 228.

I'm not married to the idea of a VPI HW-19, but they're common in the classifieds and seem to offer a good bang for the buck. However, I'm not familiar with all the variations: Mk i, ii, iv, etc. Are there particular models or upgrades I should look for? Any guidance would be appreciated.

I don't think the HW-19 series is being supported by VPI anymore, which brings up the question whether parts (like the bearing) will eventually become unavailable.

And speaking of bearings... how do you determine if it's good? Buying a used table is like buying a used car. There might be problems lurking under the hood. Do you have any suggestions on how to flesh this out before hand?

Many thanks!
mingles
mofimadness's avatar
mofimadness
4,982 posts
 
You do NOT have to use the springs that come with the MKIII or MKIV VPI! One of the best mods you can do is use either the sorbothane pucks from the VPI Junior or try to find a set of SIMS Navcomm Silencers. I use the SIMS on my MKIII and LOVE what this table does. There are several other "puck type" units you can use. Try Audio Asylum for MANY mods for the HW series of VPI tables.

VPI still supports the HW series, but with limited parts. Here is the link:

http://www.vpiindustries.com/products_hw19.htm
mred
88 posts
 
I have a MK II 1/2 (I'll explain) which I'm looking to sell. Have all the springs but I also experimented with the "noodles" in place of the springs and instead of the feet. You can have those too.Email me and I'll give you more info on my experiences.
johnjc
63 posts
 
Also try and get one with the lead platter (old TNT platter) its really good Perhaps the Mk4 is the best to go for
Read Arthur Salvatore site around the HW19 plenty of good avice there
frogman
7,430 posts
 
I disagree about buying an unsprung table. In my experience, wether you like the sound of the HW19 with springs or not completely depends on what you are sitting the table on, and wether your floors are springy or not etc. Much harder to come by a set of springs after the fact than to get (or constuct) something to use instead of springs. So, if you have the option, get one with springs. That way you have the option to experiment. I owned one for many years, and switched from springs to pucks to cones and back at least four times; all depending on the setup.

The HW19 is a terrific table, and for the money just about impossible to beat IMO. Many upgrade options available. The HW19Jr is not in the same class as the regular HW19, specially the MK4 with heavier platter. The standard lead filled/cork bottom platter of the HW19 is very good.

As far as the bearing goes, this is a simple test that has worked for me: disengage the belt and give the platter a good spin. Put your ear close to the platter. You should hear NO grinding or swishing noises at all. The platter should take at least a solid minute to come to a complete stop; two minutes or more is ideal. Feel free to email me for more personal experiences.

Good luck.
tpsonic
1,092 posts
 
Mingles,please keep us informed as to your progress in this matter.Regards,Tom
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