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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
slaw's avatar
slaw
21,984 posts
 
I even made a one-of-a kind tool that you can use to lift the plinth out of the base from above.

Cheers!
slaw's avatar
slaw
21,984 posts
 
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!
simao's avatar
simao OP
1,836 posts
 
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. 
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