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VPI HW19 Mk IV platter upgrade, speed variations?

Hello,

I recently purchased an upgraded HW19 Mk IV with a VPI upgraded platter. The upgraded platter is so thick that it keeps the dustcover from closing when the record clamp is on. The cover also presses against the tonearm when the clamp is not in place. I have an overhang above my turntable, so leaving the dust cover open is not an option.

In lieu of buying a taller cover, I have reinstalled the old platter, which was included. Aesthetically, it's much improved, and the cover is functional again.

However it seems as though I detect some platter speed variation with the original platter.

I wonder several things:
- First, I'm not sure the variations are real - I'm just beginning to get back into vinyl after a 15-year haitus. So, my ear and my benchmarks may be off. I would think the VPI would be good enough that speed fluctuations would be nearly inaudible???

- Would the significantly greater mass of the upgraded turntable smooth out platter speed variations, to the extent that they're audible?

- Might there be a problem with either the belt or motor, due to wear/age, and this is the root problem that the previous owner tried to overcome w/ the upgrade?

- How does one measure platter speed variation, to be sure?

- I'd like to just sell the upgraded platter and bearing, since this solves my dustcover problem, but not if the upgrade gives a real and significant improvement.

Any thoughts/observations/guidance would be appreciated.
indytim
indytim OP
6 posts
 
Thanks for your comments. I'm glad I wrote in. I didn't want to sell the platter until I was convinced I was moving in the right direction.

I'm generally a little suspect of the hype in the industry, and don't always assume that upgrades, even expensive ones, and going to yield significant, audible results in my system.

That being said, I thought I detected some speed variation after I put the old platter back on, and it seems as though there is a consistent opinion that the TNT platter is going to make a difference in this respect, at least.

I'll play it some more, then swap the upgraded platter back on and see what difference it makes.

I just got the TT last Friday, and hadn't had a chance to get VPI's tall cover pricing. $160 is reasonable, and about half what I expected.
alephman
107 posts
 
I removed my dust cover(the tall one) and all the hardaware, Just something more to rattle around. I just set the dust cover on the 'table when not in use. By all means keep the platter. Do you have the SAMA? (stand alone motor assembly)Highly recommended. I absolutely do not use the dust cover when playing records. Makes a big reverb chamber! I also give the clamp a little spin to bring the platter up to speed. Saves belt wear. Also a speed contoller, but VPI's SDS is $1000. I have an old PLC, VPI's predecessar to the SDS. I'm on my third one. Things have a tendency to fry and VPI will no longer fix them.
Good luck!
shasta
155 posts
 
>>The cover also presses against the tonearm when the clamp is not in place.<<
What kind of tonearm is this?

Get a KAB strobe kit to check rotational accuracy.
johnborzatti
1 posts
 
Not sure if you guys are even members but I found this thread on Google. Curiously the flutter effect on the VPI 19 Jr platter was audible to me also, most noticable on piano pieces. The Mark III lead filled platter, weighing 7 lbs, eliminated this effect, at least it did not attract my attention as the Jr platter had. It was recommended by VPI that the Scout platter/bearing assy was the next cheaper and better upgrade than the MkIV platter. By the way a Scout platter is a drop in upgrade on the 19 MKIII stainless steel plinth. It IS however a full pound LIGHTER than the the thinner MKIII platter and I think I am hearing slight flutter again!! I am considering a MKIV platter now, any thoughts? Also found that the puck suspension was a better isolation method than the springs.
bob_bundus
1,834 posts
 
those who are experiencing speed flutter may need to check and adjust for accurate spindle to platter plumb. Observe the clearance space between the bottom of the platter and the plinth; place a an index card on the plinth and mark it where the platter-bottom aligns. Turn the platter manually or run the motor, while observing for any clearance variations at the mark on the card. If any rotational wobble is observed then you must adjust one or more of the 3 allen screws around the platter's center to correct the alignment. Rotate one of the screws about 1/4 turn, keeping track of which screw is turned, in which direction, & how far it was turned. It's a short process of elimination to determine what adjustments are required to level out the platter.
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