VPI TNT 3


My first post! After many years of coviting this turntable, I finally ran across a 1993 TNT Series 3 for sale in my area, and for a decent price! Apparently in excellent condition. After asking all of the relevent questions, I snatched it up like no tomorrow! It came without tonearm or cartridge, but I figured out that the arm board holes were of the correct dimension and spacing to fit what I had to install: Sumiko Premier FT-3K tonearm and a Sumiko Blue Point Special cartridge. Well the K in the FT-3 meant that the hole required some mods to allow the Kenetic VTA adjustment structures! So once that was all worked out and a new large 1/4” thick aluminum platform was fabricated to sit atop my solid steel gear rack floating on 4 VPI Sorbathane legs (great for isolation). Then all of the standard alignments were thoroughly made…

Finally, I was ready to experience what this table had to offer! And OMG, I was not disappointed, even coming from a VPI HW-19 Mk III (same arm/cart pair), I was astounded at how much more there was in my record collection that I could not hear before! WOW!

I’m sure you are all aware of the virtues of the TNT, the bass reaches all new lows, and with such power and grace! There was so much more space and dimension, everything seemed so much more well defined. I had trouble getting through any one album, I wanted to listen to the next one that I had lined up for testing and sheer enjoyment!!! LOL

But my real reason for posting here was to get some feedback on how to get a replacement of the Pulley Drive System? I understand that the original owner had it purposely removed (and was not included in the packaging, except for a few of the remnants… short belt, double pulley head, mounting hardware, etc). Does anyone on here know where to get a replacement pulley drive system?

After a few more days to absorb the sonic benefits of the TNT 3, I will provide a detailed update on what I have experienced.

bhenry91

Quick question, right at the moment, I’m using my old PLC box (that came with my HW-19) to adjust the speed control to get 33.3RPMs tested with a stroboscope printed disk. To get 33.3 I need to turn the adjustment dial down to about 9:00.

However, for 45, I can’t turn the dial low enough to bring the speed down to match 45 on the stroboscope disk! Even at the lowest setting, it’s still about 2-3% fast. Does anyone have any suggestions to dial in 45rpms in the meantime until I’m able to pickup an out of production SDS or an updated PLC (currently VPI calls it the ADS).

A 30 Year Old TT, with a Substantial weight for the Platter will have a bearing incorporated that I would be very interested to learn how it has been impacted on over time.

Loss off or Deteriorated Lubricant, can be the cause of excessive metal on metal contact during rotations, causing a change to the Trueness of the Spindles Axis., Additional to this, there is Eccentric Rotations, Thrust Pad Wear, Ball Flattening or Scribing of the surface. Fortunately all able to be remediated.

As per the later Platters, Acetal mechanically fastened to Stainless Steel has been well documented for the very positive impression it has on the end sound. This is a modification carried out on other Platters belonging to other TT’s. The magic seemingly Pops when the two materials are mechanically coupled together.

VAS NY Inc has plenty of knowledge for the VPI TT's. I believe the VAS NY Inc and VPI Premises are very local to each other, possibly neighbours.

"Does anyone have any suggestions to dial in 45rpms in the meantime until I’m able to pickup an out of production SDS or an updated PLC (currently VPI calls it the ADS)."

This is the better option:

Eclipse Series – Sota Turntables

More accurate than SDS/ADS. Real time speed correction

When I moved on from Idler Drive TT’s to onto the use of TT’s being the DD TT design, After a short time in to the DD TT’s usage, it become apparent that I was in possession of a Complete TT with extremely accurate Speed Control for less monies that the cost required to own Off Board Speed Controllers for the owned ID TT’s.

The same is also witnessed for the Off Board Speed Controllers made available for BD TT’s, their expense to purchase is quite something, and a very decent DD TT, with accurate built in Speed Control can be acquired for not too different monies.

In terms of using Vinyl as the Source, the market for BD TT’s as the tool to replay a Vinyl LP is quite a large market, without investigation, it would be easy to assume the BD TT has the largest proportion of TT sales.

The BD TT market has running parallel, a market for devices being sold to make available improved speed control, that come come with such heft as a asking price. This to me, when such asking prices are seen for the additional devices is saddening. Having to meet such extra outlays for an improved speed control does not rest well, as BD TT's are modern as a design, surely the manufactures are able to offer the best practice speed control with supplied TT's 

Low turnover of sales with a High Mark Up does seem to be the sales model for add on Speed Controllers.

I have a Superscoutmaster upgraded with the ceramic platter, et al..   My table sounds best on Audiopoints....house is single floor no basement.