2. analog
  3. 191398-195911

VPI TNT 3

My first post! After many years of coviting this turntable, I finally ran across a 1993 TNT Series 3 for sale in my area, and for a decent price! Apparently in excellent condition. After asking all of the relevent questions, I snatched it up like no tomorrow! It came without tonearm or cartridge, but I figured out that the arm board holes were of the correct dimension and spacing to fit what I had to install: Sumiko Premier FT-3K tonearm and a Sumiko Blue Point Special cartridge. Well the K in the FT-3 meant that the hole required some mods to allow the Kenetic VTA adjustment structures! So once that was all worked out and a new large 1/4” thick aluminum platform was fabricated to sit atop my solid steel gear rack floating on 4 VPI Sorbathane legs (great for isolation). Then all of the standard alignments were thoroughly made…

Finally, I was ready to experience what this table had to offer! And OMG, I was not disappointed, even coming from a VPI HW-19 Mk III (same arm/cart pair), I was astounded at how much more there was in my record collection that I could not hear before! WOW!

I’m sure you are all aware of the virtues of the TNT, the bass reaches all new lows, and with such power and grace! There was so much more space and dimension, everything seemed so much more well defined. I had trouble getting through any one album, I wanted to listen to the next one that I had lined up for testing and sheer enjoyment!!! LOL

But my real reason for posting here was to get some feedback on how to get a replacement of the Pulley Drive System? I understand that the original owner had it purposely removed (and was not included in the packaging, except for a few of the remnants… short belt, double pulley head, mounting hardware, etc). Does anyone on here know where to get a replacement pulley drive system?

After a few more days to absorb the sonic benefits of the TNT 3, I will provide a detailed update on what I have experienced.

bhenry91
jsalerno277
218 posts
 

Congratulations.   I have been using mine since 1997.  I drove it to VPI in NJ twice for modifications.  First was the JM 12.5 tone arm.  Then second time was for the upgraded bearing and platter.  During the latter mod VPI removed the 3 point spindle assembly and capped the holes.  They polished the plinth.  Looks new.  VPI stated there is better performance without the spindle.  Less noise.  I concur with my own experience.  Experiment with and without the 3 point spinal and let your own ears judge.  New bearing and platter elevated SQ substantially.  I use a Benz Ruby rebuilt a few times by SoundSmith.  Good luck!
 

bdp24's avatar
bdp24
9,886 posts
 

 

@bhenry91: Congratulations! I’ve considered getting a TNT to replace either my HW-19 Mk.3 or my Aries, but it’s just so damn big!

 

Which platter does your TNT have? It (and the first iteration of the Aries) came with one comprised of the following:

 

1- 1.25" inches thick

2- A bottom section of 7/8" thick aluminum with a thin sheet of lead glued to it’s underside, covered with a layer of cork.

3- A top section of 3/8" thick black Delrin.

 

I ask because VPI later introduced a solid frosted white acrylic platter, which many TNT owners bought and used in place of the stock platter. Harry Weisfeld eventually admitted that was a misstep, as the acrylic produced a sound inferior to that of the Aluminum/Delrin platter.

 

On the other hand, the TNT Mk.V featured a new platter, one many VPI enthusiasts consider the best VPI platter of them all. It is comprised of:

 

1- 1.5" thick

2- A bottom section of 5/8" thick stainless steel.

3- A top section of 7/8" thick black Delrin.

 

The TNT Mk.V platters are now considered very desirable (it can be used on TNT’s Mk.1 though Mk.V, all HW-19’s, and all Aries that don’t have an inverted bearing), and sell quickly when coming up for sale, at prices $500 and up.

 

By the way, another option for isolating the TNT are a set of four Townshend Audio Seismic Pods, an outstanding product.

.

jsalerno277
218 posts
 

@bhenry91 ​​​​@bdp24 

The platter/bearing that VPI used is a 2” all stainless steel platter.  The upgrade was done about 5 years ago. It looks similar to the platter of current models.  I do not think it is the same as current platters though.  The arm base was changed to accommodate the platter height.  Photos are in my profile.  The platter/bearing combo together with removing the 3 spindle assembly lowered background noise, improved detail, staging, and imaging.  I recommend you call VPI. 

bhenry91 OP
7 posts
 

Again, thank you for all of your replies, great community for sharing ideas. Appreciated!  The platter that I have on my TNT3 is 1.5” thick, with the bottom 1” appears to be aluminum with 7 grooves around its perimeter, the top 1/2” appears to be black acrylic, the bottom has a sheet of cork covering the outer half of the platter with a lead-filled disk inside. It weighed in at 20lbs.

bhenry91 OP
7 posts
 

Quick question, right at the moment, I’m using my old PLC box (that came with my HW-19) to adjust the speed control to get 33.3RPMs tested with a stroboscope printed disk. To get 33.3 I need to turn the adjustment dial down to about 9:00.

However, for 45, I can’t turn the dial low enough to bring the speed down to match 45 on the stroboscope disk! Even at the lowest setting, it’s still about 2-3% fast. Does anyone have any suggestions to dial in 45rpms in the meantime until I’m able to pickup an out of production SDS or an updated PLC (currently VPI calls it the ADS).

More to discover