VPI service problems

I've experienced some of the same problems with their customer service myself.

Interesting. Glad I switched my TT purchase from VPI to Clearaudio at the last moment yesterday.

I've called VPI on several occasions and they are always rude. They act like they are doing you a favor by answering the phone. Thank god not all audio companies are like this.

I have to say I've called VPI on several occasions when I was putting (my bought used) VPI table together and always got great results. I recall that they had limited hours though, something like Tues.- Thurs. only. I believe Mike was the one I talked to when I asked for customer service. He was always very informative and answered all my questions.

I have been in corespondence with dcbluesplayer, and there are some facts that may complicate service. One, the machine was said to be bought direct from VPI. In that instance, I'm unsure just how much dealer support a dealer will give, going to bat for somebody who bought direct?

Also, it was mentioned the machine was out of warrantee when it first failed. I gather from our conversations that the entire machine was sent back for service.

While I know from personal experience that VPI will many times, fix, or issue parts to a customer free of charge, even outside the stated warrantee, I would imagine that if they constantly gave out very expensive parts for free every time, they'd go broke in short order.

Generally, I believe them to be very fair, that if the part, or manufacturing process was at fault, they will replace, or repair free of charge. And it is understandable that if a product, even while under warrantee is damaged by the customer due to whatever reason, that this may indeed void such warrantees.

In our conversations, we have discussed alternatives for a need to investigating, and buying parts from other sources. VPI of course does not manufacture either motor in their RCMs.

It appears the current VPI 16.5's uses an Ametek Lamb Rotary Motor. And they can be gotten for less from other distributors. I would assume the two other models VPI make also use the same brand of motor, but perhaps a different model?

Whether the Tyhoon, with its higer CFM-Vacuum rated motor creates a problem with fluid intrusion into the motor, that the higher suction causes fluids to somehow bypass the internal baffle system of the recovery tank, I cannot honestly say?

It could be as well possible, that fluids containing certain chemicals in them, such as high concentrations of alcohol could possibly be a detriment to the rubber gasket seal between Vacuum Motor-Recovery Tank?

I would imagine these simple foam rubber seals should be a part that should be able to be easily gotten from VPI at at a small cost. And that over time, parts such as these, regardless of care will eventually deteriorate-fail.

If a recovery tank perhaps has some fault with internal baffling, I would imagine this could be one cause, with shortening vacuum motor life. There are certain guidelines with operation of these RCMs, and VPI should better explain in their manuals what those are.

Draining the tank, clamping drain hoses tight, and leaving the wand off the machine until innards are totally dry are just a few.

And periodic internal inspection should be done. Don't be afraid to open up these manchines, it may save you money in the long run. Mark