2. analog
  3. 127491-1975

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
slaw's avatar
slaw OP
21,321 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
21,321 posts
 
If the ADS fails long term, and no service is forth-coming, I now have a great option to pursue.
slaw's avatar
slaw OP
21,321 posts
 
cerrot,

Wow!.. what a 180?

You were THE main detractor, now you seem to have forgotten (your past)?

I'm fine with forgiveness, after re-reading your posts here, your quick turn-around, while all well and good, doesn't acknowledge your posting history at all.

You must have some divine power bolstering you?

Are you "incredibly impressed" because your issues are finally being addressed? Does this post by you leave us feeling that in spite of your past opposite feeling, that you now have somehow forgotten this and have wiped it all away from your memory banks?

I ask this in this time of "fake news".

Cheers.
slaw's avatar
slaw OP
21,321 posts
 
I smell an effort to discredit my posts.

In the end, I can, and will post all of the communications I've saved between myself and the VPI representatives, if required. I did not know that this would be necessary.

What ever anyone's conclusions are, I will never be a VPI buyer in the future.

Frankly, my Townshend table is SO much more musically involving, I'm not wanting to replace it for the VPI Classic 3 Sig SE anytime soon. In the end, I know I will have to. UGH!


phoenixengr's avatar
phoenixengr
92 posts
 
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.


I'm not surprised they weren't able to fix the SDS, I don't know who they have working for them that could repair a piece of digital equipment such as that.    AFIK, the SDS has been discontinued, but all of the ICs and PCB components are still available;  the power supply is a SMPS type and there are many good candidates for replacements if the original is not available.  What was wrong with it BTW?  I suspect I may be able to fix it via e-mail and some minor soldering.

I'm also not surprised that the ADS is off frequency or that it drifts with time.  It uses an analog oscillator which subject to drift with temp and time and will be nowhere near as accurate or stable as the crystal controlled SDS.  It looks as if they used the same output scheme as the SDS (small PCB mount heat sinks) so I think the heat build up inside the case will be significant and cause the frequency to drift.
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