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VPI TNT Turntables

Many years ago I owned a VPI HW-19 Jr turntable + Sumiko Premier FT arm, which I soon replaced with a Merrill Heirloom + ET2. After may years of digital reproduction, I wish to go back to analog reproduction and I would like to buy a VPI TNT with, again, the ET2 arm. Unfortunately (or fortunately), many models/upgrades exist for TNT. Therefore, I would be very grateful if some experts of TNTs could describe the sound/performance variation from TNT Jr to most recent ones so as to help me in my choice. 

Thank you very much!

Luca
luca58
phoenixengr's avatar
phoenixengr
92 posts
 
I bought the motor overseas;  it has a 4mm shaft (the Hurst motor is 3/16") so I had to have pulleys made as well.  The PSU is also a prototype and very different design than the Falcon or Eagle, although operation is the same and it works with the tachometer.

Right now, I have no interest in developing it commercially.  I built it to investigate whether it would work better than the Hurst motors, and it turned out better than I could have expected, so mission accomplished, but also, mission complete.
don_c55
1,025 posts
 
I like the VPI TNT motor and find it has very low vibration.

I bought a spare, in case it can not be repaired.

phoenixengr - You have issues with Harry of VPI, because he did not distribute your products, and your grudges show up here, and on AA.
phoenixengr's avatar
phoenixengr
92 posts
 
Actually, I have a problem with Hurst motors, but thanks for your unbiased opinion.

BTW, the motor in your TNT table is not a VPI motor;  it is sold by Hurst and manufactured in China.
don_c55
1,025 posts
 
The VPI Scout and many VPI turntables that have the motor in the plinth, send vibrations throughout the turntable.

The heavy TNT motor using the "VPI designed" motor case, mounted outside the plinth, does not send vibrations throughout the turntable.

The motor should never be in the plinth IMO, that is a cheap design!
analogluvr
859 posts
 
You guys are both right, the hurst motor is the tables weak point and yes it should not be in the plinth. I was amazed years back to see tons of people selling their tnts to get into the then new classic. I don't see how they thought the classic was a better table??  I guess some folks will always chase the latest new thing.....
I do find you have to be careful with vpi, a lot of their changes were made to lower manufacturing costs and marketed as "better"
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