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Confessions from a VPI owner of some 30 years

I would like to start with a humble apology to the OP of a thread I recently (overtook) for personal reasons. smrex13, I apologize to you and hope your audio journey going forward is joyous!

To donvito101, I made my remarks personal and for this I apologize.

I checked for remarks from yesterday on the "VPI Prime noise issues" (2 threads, why, I don't know) . I still find it odd that VPI did not remark on smrex13' original thread, only to his last thread that ended, "not VPI's fault".

I've had a couple of issues since purchasing my VPI Classic 3 SE Sig. one year ago. I sent, (through my dealer), an initial question about the arm tower's operation on Feb 2016. I was told it would be forwarded to VPI. As of today, I've not received one comment.

I've recently, in the past 3 months, had a vibration issue through the 3D arm when the SDS is set at 33rpm. It is not noticeable at 45 rpm. I feel it through the finger lift.

I've tried oiling the motor, cleaning the belt & new talcum, the spindle bearing is just like recommended with the proper grease etc...

I relayed all of this through my dealer who asked for pictures and I sent them. This was two weeks ago. As of today, not one word. Because of my last question through my dealer in Feb w/ no response, I'm a little weary.

OK. So, my position is.... I should go through the proper channels. The dealer, right? VPI has their sales set up through a dealer network. This, I assume, is to take a burden off of them so they can be focused on manufacturing?

We/I/ you, pay a premium for this? I assume it's around 100% added to the actual cost of manufacturing. So, if I have an issue, I should follow the way VPI has their dealer network set up and take my concerns to the dealer. If this is not the way things should work, why then, doesn't VPI just sell directly? We/me/the end user could save BIG BUCKS.

That's pretty much the whole issue. I have no idea why VPI does not want to make any effort to settle this issue.

Cheers!






128x128slaw
phoenixengr's avatar
phoenixengr
92 posts
 
There really is no reason to replace your SDS with the ADS. In my informed opinion, the ADS is clearly inferior to the SDS in almost every measurable way.  Aside from the difference in technology, if you look at VPI's forum, there are a number of complaints regarding the ADS and mechanical hum that may be objectionable to some users.

If you would like me to repair your SDS, I would be glad to do so at no charge. Contact me directly: bill@phoenix-engr.com.
cerrot's avatar
cerrot
1,700 posts
 
Mat stepped up QUITE NICEY for me, as well.  ABOVE & BEYOND.  I am incredibly impressed.  Mat just reached out, wished me a happy New Year and asked what he could do to help me out.  And he has not stopped.

I have not taken him up on the VPI Factory Tour (yet) but I do feel like the entire factory has been working for me these past two weeks.

I have seen a 3 turned into a 4 but into an ELEVEN?  Incredibly impressed and thankful to you, Mat Weisfeld and your team.  
totem395
390 posts
 

If you would like me to repair your SDS, I would be glad to do so at no charge. Contact me directly: bill@phoenix-engr.com.

Gracious offer Bill.
slaw's avatar
slaw OP
21,002 posts
 
phoenixengr,

Your offer, while appreciated, was obviously too late. (Check the dates on the posts)

I hooked up the ADS and all seems well for now. The tt is out of my system and not in (listening use). The vibration for now, is absent.

If I'm correct in that VPI has or will be discontinuing the SDS, it seemed that accepting the ADS was a better option at the time. Again, no one offered an explanation.

Upon  testing the speed accuracy, in 33rpm mode, I had to lower the knob to the left from center, using my "Timeline" to get proper speed. If this continues when I put the table back into my system, I'd say their factory setting is off.

If the SDS is being phased out, it didn't make much sense to keep it. If the SDS is being phased out, I pity the ones who purchased it at it's current raised price.



slaw's avatar
slaw OP
21,002 posts
 
If the ADS fails long term, and no service is forth-coming, I now have a great option to pursue.
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