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Moving VPI TNT, Wheaton Triplanar, Transfiguration

I'm moving my VPI TNT, Wheaton Triplanar, and Transfiguration Phoenix across country using a moving company (insured as 'high value item' for full replacement value). The moving company is going to crate the turntable, but I'm not sure whether to dismount the cartridge and/or tonearm. I would prefer not to have to start the setup from scratch when I arrive, as everything is set up well now. But, it's certainly not worth risking damaging anything in the move. I'm thinking the best thing may be to remove the tonearm either totally from the table, or along with the removeable armboard, and leave the cartridge attached to the tonearm, transporting those parts together, but separately from the table. I'm concerned that the bearings/other parts of the tonearm might be stressed if left on the table. I thought I would also take the platter off to prevent wear on the bearing. I thought I would remove the feet and rubber balls that support the table, and pad the table as carefully as I can. I have the original packaging cushions for the table but the box is in no shape to travel. I also have the original boxes for the tonearm, cartridge, and motor, with all the foam, etc. Any advice would be appreciated.
What do people do when transporting tables to shows? I wouldn't think they would completely disassemble/reassemble them, but I'm sure it's a more controlled environment.
128x128ctlphd
cerrot's avatar
cerrot
1,700 posts
 
i have a vpi tnt jr and have moved it and would never move it without seperating the tonearm from the pivot as well as taking the platter/bearing off the table. I have always moved it myself. I did assemble a protective cover out of foam so that I can leave the benz glider cartridge on the tonearm. use alot of foam and protect everything that looks protectine four times, than go do everything that doesn't need protecting twice.
elinor's avatar
elinor
275 posts
 
Yes to any or all of the above. I'm so nuts, I took all but the speakers and my stand with me in the car when I moved from coast to coast. If I had room for the speakers I would have taken those too.
bpoletti
1,553 posts
 
I recently moved an Aries from its previous owner to its new home in my listening room. I have to echo Frogman's process which is the same as I used.

In addition, my suggestion is to remove the arm and transport it separately. I don't know what kind of stylus guard is used for that cart, but it might also be advisable to remove the cart from the arm and place it in its original packaging before packing everything away.

I think VPI can provide packaging for the TNT. Wouldn't hurt to call them to see what they can get you to help.

Don't forget to add bearing lube of your choice as you reassemble the table.
lewm
13,106 posts
 
Ctlphd, You got a lot of good advice from those who would otherwise go ahead and let a moving company pack your turntable, tonearm, and cartridge. However, the whole idea is a nightmare for me, unless you are looking for a way to get rid of your gear and get full price back in return. I would consult VPI as to the best way to pack and ship your turntable per se. If you have the original carton and packing materials, I would probably start there, then double box it. Then your movers can take the carton from there. BUT I would never let a moving company touch any of my tonearms or cartridges, and as someone else said, I would carry them both with me during the move, if possible. (By the way, the Triplanar has a beautiful foam compartmentalized carton that is nearly fool proof once the arm has been properly inserted; certainly you should use that too.) It is unthinkable (for me) to hand over the intact ensemble (tt, tonearm, cartridge) to a bunch of the day laborers who typically work for moving companies. I am even surprised you can find a company that would take on the responsibility. I realize that if one is moving a very long distance or from country to country, the ideal solutions are not always possible, so good luck.
atmasphere's avatar
atmasphere
11,841 posts
 
We show with Triplanar arms at shows a lot.

In all cases, the arm arrives at the show in its own shipping container. We install the arm on the 'table and the cartridge on the arm at the show. There is no other way to do it where you can be guaranteed of no damage. At a show if something is damaged it could ruin the show, insurance or not.

Fortunately the Triplanar is one of the easiest setups of any arm made. Its only held to the plinth by three screws, and if that part is already sorted out it really will not be that long before you are up and running fine.
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