To chime in again about VPI, I too have nothing but praise about them. In '97 I bought my HW-19Jr from Jim at MusicDirect (Walk-In Sale). Well around 2000-2001, I had noticed one day the Platter had cracked in about 6-7 places originating from the Spindle/Bearing, and radiating out towards the edge of the Platter.
My first thought was the Spindle Clamp caused this, but I never clamped my LP's like a gorilla, nor ever left the Clamp tightened when not in use. As some of you may know, the Jr's Platter has the Bearing press-fit into the Acrylic Platter, and is not like the MK-IV Platter which just "lays" on top of the Bearing Flange.
Spoke with Jim about it, he shipped it off to Harry, and Sheila for examination, and they replaced the Platter free of charge, even though my warrantee had long expired. That's what I call customer service!
BTW, the Seller I bought from did provide me with the Dealer's name, and I'm just going to send the card in filled out with said Dealer's name on the card.
Of course, if by remote chance I ever have a problem with the product I bought within the warranteed period (1 Year), I reckon I'll just have to cross that bridge when I come to it, and perhaps state "That I myteriously somehow lost the bill?" lol
Thank you folks for your help, and advice, it's deeply appreciated! Mark