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Sprung vs Unsprung VPI Turntables.

Taking a look the new VPI unsprung tables I feel that they have taken this path based more on economy than on sound quality. Take a look at there new Classic. Its clearly a replacement for the revered HW19 MKII,III,IV but with out the suspension. Now think about the manufacturing process. For unsprung tables once your plinth is cut and ready all you need to do is bolt the parts on and you are done. With a sprung table things are complicated. You need to match your suspension parts first, assemble them and then they need to be calibrated to work properly. You need skilled labor and fine tuning to get the tables to the stores.
So, my point is no need to jump to a new fad just because...
spaninc
stanwal's avatar
stanwal
3,147 posts
 
I was a dealer for the HW 19s and now am for the new tables. While the 19s were good tables I like the new ones better and ones like the Scout are great buys when you consider the arm is included. The 19 would be quite expensive today if still in production. I have used tables like the older TNT and Basis Ovation and come to like the greater detail I hear from non suspended tables. But not everyone will agree, suspended tables can sound VERY good and not everyone has a concrete floor as I now do. The execution is at least as important as the design principals so either way it depends on the individual table and you own taste. I have no more idea than the next person exactly where VPI is heading right now, in several directions at once is my best guess. IF you are happy with what you have STICK WITH IT. Don't change just because a new model is out.
buconero117
2,311 posts
 
Where is VPI headed? Toward profit, profit and more profit. That translates to turn, turn, turn. Harry needs to get the installed base to buy new as he does not get the entry vinyl person who goes to Project and Music Hall first. How do you explain the turn to the aluminum platter? Fad? I think so, as two dealers I regularly visit say this new platter does not sound great and appears related to lowering the cost of the motor used, which are less expensive since they do not need the lift power. By the way, I am in the Unsprung camp. With my rig, it just sound better.
rsrex
45 posts
 
I'd be suspicious of any dealer making the claims you are stating. As I understand it, quality acrylic in sizes needed for large platters (2+ inches deep) is getting hard to find. So VPI's change to aluminum has more to do with materials availability at a price than anything else. Besides, aluminum is easier to machine consistently. As far as the motor is concerned, the aluminum platter is of a similar weight to the super platter, or at least close enough that it requires similar torque. If VPI really wanted to cheap out on the motor, they would have stayed with a lightweight solid acrylic platter (although cogging then can become more apparent.) What is lift power by the way?
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