Downsizing from VPI HW-19

simao,

I have almost 3 decades of experience with my VPI jr that morphed into a VPI Mk IV with all of the extras most haven't experienced. From 1992 - 2013.

I went through installing a SAMA at one point. In order to make it work properly, depending upon which iteration of the SAMA.. mine is the later version, the earlier ones were a cylindrical enclosure, I had to modify the back left corner block in order fro the SAMA to sit in the correct position for proper speed (assuming you are without a SDS). I've been through ALL of the trials and tribulations. I have my modified HW-19 base that accepts all of my years of experience/parts and included would be my knowledge and help and accessories in order to get you up and running with the TT you currently own and love.

If you're interested, shoot me a PM.

Cheers.

I even made a one-of-a kind tool that you can use to lift the plinth out of the base from above.

Cheers!

Anyone here looking for drop in high quality alternative for a stock VPI HW-19 Mk IV, I've got what you need..

(1) Oak base modified to accept my long history with the best alternative to VPI's springs/or pucks. I've got the replacements included.
(2) I have a Mk IV plinth that I used with my upgrades.
(3) The base includes Edensounds bearpaw jrs.
(4) I have an original, one owner (me) VPI tall dust cover, all hardware included.
(5) I have a, (one of THE best VPI platters (non-inverted bearing type) w/ the bearing that I hate to let go but may be persuaded if the price is right.

There may be more...

Your one-stop guy here.

Cheers!

Hey all,

So - here's some resolution of sorts to this issue.

Thank you to everyone for all their advice. I tried a dial out indicator and that didn't help at all so,  sparked by the idea of servicing the turntable, I contacted VPI, who gave me the contact info of their "dealer" in my area, whom I then contacted.

He and I talked and he gave me a detailed primer on what to do before I brought it in - including checking the spindle and the bearing well for all sorts of contamination. Which indeed I did. Yes, there were a few cotton fibers down in the well, and I cleaned all the old oil and debris out (old by about a year and a half or so) and dropped 2-3 drops of 10W-40 oil into the well. I kept the same bearing, though, for now.

Then, I carefully placed the platter back onto the spindle, seated it, then adjusted those three pesky leveling screws until each was equal in terms of tension. I then placed a GeoDisc onto the platter to check my cartridge. All of a sudden there was a palpable "thwock" and the platter dropped another half-inch or so onto the spindle -- thus seating itself firmly where it should have been all this time.

Lo and behold the platter spun level. Now, was this because I inadvertently leveled off all three screws? Had the platter not been properly seated on the spindle before? Had the spindle not been seated in the well? Don't know, But massive platter is as level as it's ever been.

And now I have a new audio destination: Defiance Audio - about 20 minutes away from me. A maker of speakers and an ersatz VPI dealer, Adam at Defiance talked me through troubleshooting the VPI and I'm looking forward to visiting his workshop and hearing his speakers.

And thank you to all here on this forum.