New Air Suspension Footers for VPI TNT


During November of last year, I ordered the air suspension footers for my VPI TNT Mk. 3.5 turntable, and I patiently awaited the arrival of the upgraded footers until they finally arrived yesterday. As has been rumored here in this forum, the design of the footers has been upgraded to a sealed design that no longer requires air to be pumped into the footers. The new design should solve the tweaky issues relating to air leakage, periodic re-inflation and periodic re-leveling adjustments. So, for all who are interested, I think you will find that VPI now has the upgraded air suspension footers in stock and available to ship.
cincy_bob
Downunder,

Your link is correct. That was what I bought. Clearly, it SHOULD be possible to buy a kit for the HRX without the towers for less cost. Bob at Elusive told me that what I got was the only kit available at the time of my order. I think VPI COULD eventually offer the HRX upgrade for less; I would recommend inquiring about it directly. If you do, please let us know what they say!

I didn't find a lopsided effect at the right rear corner. The balls are reasonably stiff and don't give a whole lot unless the weight differential is really excessive. Also, I am using the Graham Phantom arm, which appears to weigh less than the stock JMW, not that the difference would be really noticeable with these balls. Lastly, the new towers have screwjacks that adjust for height, so any sag can be offset by jacking the sagging corner up a little.

Best Regards, James Wei
James. thanks for the info, I would go back to Bob at elusive disc and ask for a part refund. He clearly has not bothered to treat you as a good customer and ask VPI to supply the upgrade for the HRX only. That is bollocks stating that was/is the only kit available to order.

It is a bit of a pain now ringing VPI as Mike has almost retired so is never in the office, whoever(female) answers the phone just asks you to send an email. a bit frustrating, especially from Australia.

Anyway, you and gladstone say the balls work better than the leaking valves, so that is the main thing I guess.
How long are the balls supposed to last for - Mike mentioned last year about 12 mnths??
The truth is that the whole suspension could still be reworked. I don't think the bulky, black plastic feet are ideal. In any case: all you need are the balls and the cup that holds them.
I don't know how long the balls are supposed to last. Estimates as to their longevity may be based on their use as paddleballs, which may be a harder use with a shorter life than in a table suspension. The good news is that they are off-the-shelf paddleballs that are commonly available and shouldn't cost a lot.

I would emphasize that a complete HRX kit should include at least both the upper and lower cup-shaped inserts and the footer foot with screwjacks for plinth leveling, as well as the paddle balls. (You all know the old footers have no screwjacks. If one subscribes to the view that leveling is not necessary, then using the old footers would be OK.} Black plugs for the tower top holes, as Gladstone mentioned, would be a better solution than re-installing the valve assemblies and metal caps, as I did.