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VPI Super Platter

From what I read here and at AA it appears the general consensus is that the Super Platter is a fairly significant upgrade from the all acrylic platters on the newer Scoutmaster and Aries turntables. However, I have an older Aries 1 with a fairly heavy platter that resembles in appearance, the Super Platter. Any Aries 1 owners know the one I am talking about? Would the Super Platter be as significant an upgrade to this platter as it is to the acrylic ones? Also, does the inverted bearing that comes with the Super Platter represent a significant improvement over the bearing I already have. My Aries is about 6 years old and has the JMW 10 tonearm. I also have the SDS.
randyhat
ptmconsulting
1,000 posts
 
I got a strong magnet and took a closer look at my MK III bearing. It loooks like the little ball at the bottom does not rotate at all. There is a little wear mark on the point and it doesn't move at all.

I've posted a question to Mike at VPI and will report back here when I get something back from him. But basically right now it doesn't look like my ball is removable - otherwise my wife would probably hide them in her bedside drawer - but that's another story :-)

Enjoy,
Bob
markd51
763 posts
 
Hello Bob, On a couple of occasions, I've tried email to VPI, but never got a response from them (think it was a yahoo addy?) Better to call by phone.

Very odd that it won't rotate, or come out? As far as I can tell, and my thinking is, (and I could be incorrect about this?) was that the Ball was neither supposed to be a tight press fit, nor on the other hand was it supposed to freely rotate within the Bearing Shaft either.

What changes, and methods VPI may've implemented over the years, perhaps only God knows? :-) The soaking in some form of Solvent should've loosened the hold of caked, hardened grease. I can perhaps suggest soaking the end of the Shaft overnight in a solvent (Thinner, Turpentine, Naptha, etc) It won't hurt it.

We all await to hear what Mike perhaps says? Mark
ptmconsulting
1,000 posts
 
Well Mike replied. The full test of his message is as follows:

"I don't know why anyone would want to change the ball other than to replace it when worn but that's what makes this business so much fun. The ball is pressed in place on your table, it may or may not be removable, only we could determine that."

So anyone know of an old MK IV platter for sale? I've been considering trading up for quite some time and just never pulled the plug. It may be time now.

Enjoy,
Bob
dgarretson
2,597 posts
 
A little creative destruction should remove that ball. I would drill a hole through the ball and drive in a stud remover. Or thread the hole in the ball and insert a grade 8 bolt, which could be extracted together with the ball by using a puller. Some light heat from an acetalene torch might also help. If it can be pressed in, it can be pulled out.
ptmconsulting
1,000 posts
 
I received an e-mailed suggestion that I'll have to give a try (thanks Markd51). Basically he suggests I dry off the shaft and ball, then take a hard dry rubber mat and try to turn the pressed in ball so the wear spot is not on the pivot point. Just press the ball down on the rubber matt and try to move it with force.

Smart idea. I'll have to give it a shot and see if it works.

Thanks again,
Bob
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