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Downsizing from VPI HW-19

Hey all,

I've been a more-or-less happy owner of a VPI HW-19 Mk.4 for the past few years, but I've found I'm more of a vinyl appreciator than a devotee. That said, I do ferret out the best pressings on discogs and other venues of certain lp's I want, and my VPI (with Benz Ace S cartridge) DOES produce a hauntingly beautiful sound through the Jolida JD9 Mk. 2 phono than my Rotel 1072 does through the Jolida FX DAC. But I feel I'm constantly fussing with VTF, azimuth, and the need to level the three-screw platter of the HW-19. I even bought a dial indicator and clamp and still have a devil of a time. I finally took out the three screws. But now am paranoid about a difference in sound.

In short, I find I'm listening to the vinyl system rather than the vinyl music.

I'm not really a mechanical guy. I mean, I'm happy soldering new tweeters into speakers, but I know I've already screwed up the SAMA by letting it contact the plinth when it shouldn't have. The sound's not affected, but I'm going to have to solder a new bearing motor into the SAMA.

What's a good downsize? I originally had a Project 5.1 SE with a Sumiko Blue Point before I acquired the VPI. But the VPI/Benz sound is beautiful and what I want, though. How can I downsize to a less demanding table and still have a warm and palpable sound?

Thank you for any and all feedback. Please be gentle.

s
128x128simao
mb1audio
151 posts
 
I've been looking at this one for a while. The only thing I can say is that you shouldn't be having these problems. Either you are not setting the TT up right, or something may be broken. At the very least, I would take it to someone who can check it out and do a proper setup. If you don't have anyone local, post and I can recommend a few people that really know what they are doing.

czarivey
5,946 posts
 
Pioneer PL-L1000 resored and serviced deck will indeed be a good swap.
It's one of the non-sophisticated tangential tracking arm design that will be no compromise to VPI deck which is do my belief primitive (sorry for owners). All you need to do is place record on platter and push button and sophisticated and very well engineered mechanizm will do the rest of business.
simao's avatar
simao OP
1,836 posts
 
@mb1audio - yeah, I wonder if the spindle is slightly off. But it shouldn't be as that has never moved. However, I do plan on taking it  to a local auto shop for servicing. Just to see what they can do with the screws, etc. I did replace the springs are year ago. 

@wlutke yes, it is a case of a lack of skill and experience, but I'm not sure how much time I'm willing to invest in the learning curve. 
terry9
2,354 posts
 
I sympathize, simao. You should not have to tweak and tweak and tweak. It should be at your convenience, not a TT dictat.

Sounds like a tonearm problem to me. I don't like to set up every time, and yet I get near-optimal sound.

If you position your cartridge exactly right for your thinnest records, then they will be just a little tail down on your thickest records, which is just a little on the mellow side (for my Koetsu).

I think that you are wise to get your TT serviced at this point, and get the tech to spend some time on a good set-up for a thin record. Then revisit the issue.
simao's avatar
simao OP
1,836 posts
 
Like all machines, this one may need servicing, too. I really do appreciate all your advice and cautions. I don't need to tell you that the sound and immersion I get from vinyl is so enveloping, so palpable. And I don't want to lose that. But I also don't want to spend every listening session listening to the equipment, either.

@terry9  By thin record, you're talking 150g or less, right?

s
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