VPI HW-19 or VPI Traveler
Admittedly I am new in the VPI world. Im coming from a Technics SL-1700 MK2. Assuming I'll have to service the HW-19 does it take it out of contention? Im will to service it if needed as long as the cost to do so still makes sense. Any idea what replacing the bearings might cost? I appreciate the help so far |
Ask them if they ever lubed the motor and platter bearings. One nice aspect: if you shop around, there are numerous HW-19 upgrades that can be performed at your leisure ie: SDS, SAMA, Scout platter and inverted bearing, etc). If you have trouble getting in touch with VPI, these guys are knowledgeable regarding their parts prices and availability: https://elusivedisc.com/search?search_query=vpi |
Make sure it’s really a HW-19. Many HW-19 Jr’s were shipped with labels on the plinth that state HW-19. The Jr. is not nearly as good as a true HW-19. HW-19 has separate arm board and black acrylic/lead platter and much better bearing. Nice table which you can upgrade to MK 4 status and take it very close to TNT sound quality. Good luck. |
The 19 Jr. has a full size arm board made from partial board and has Sorbothane pucks as the suspension.
With the HW-19 MKIII, the sub chassis changes from one inch thick MDF to a non-magnetic, 10 gauge, stainless steel sheet laminated to a 1/2" shiny black acrylic top plate and tonearm board with a spring suspension and a cork covered bottom platter, with lead inserts. The tonearm board is removable for easy arm changes, but is fastened to the steel sheet also. I have had both and like the JR. with a MKIII platter and the Sorbothane pucks replaced with Herbies Tall Tenderfeet better. |
