VPI TNT MkIII - pluses and minuses?

Another shout out for a silk thread to replace the rubber belt, but you will need an SDS or equivalent to make that work. The string diameter is very different from the rubber belt diameter and will result in a different speed.

The old MK III platter was very good, for what it was. Far better than the acrylic crap that followed it for a while and some say more dynamic than the old MK IV platter. The MK IV was quieter but dryer sounding. I do agree that the new Classic platter (especially the brand new ceramic coated one) is quieter still with a better sense of background silence and more dynamics and speed stability. You can see it in my system link.

Enjoy,
Bob

I never had a problem with the Super Platter or the Mk5 platter when using the rim drive. I do however; run the rim drive on the stainless steel portion of the Super and MK5 platter. I have since switched to the Classic platter.

I agree that the VPI PLC is garbage and a “real” speed controller is necessary i.e. Walker or a SDS.

The tri-pulley should not be used; it only injects noise into the system.

The 600rpm motor is best when used with the optional flywheel; otherwise the 300rpm is a touch better if going direct to the platter.

Thread drive does offer a sonic benefit, but I would leave this tweak last until you get familiar with the table. The thread drive is a bit finicky to set up.

Hi Brf:
What do you find to be the difference in sound between the Superplatter and the Classic platter?

Firstly, the Super Platter and the TNT Mk5 platter are awesome platters. The Classic platter, to my ears, presents a more lively and dynamic sound. It does an extremely good job at retrieving inner detail. There appears to be more separation between notes in the lower register whereas the Super and MK5 platter present a more singular note. I am not the best at describing the sound difference between two pieces of equipment, but I felt it to be a worthwhile upgrade.

This is one of those things that sounds like it looks. I always chuckle to myself when someone places a piece of equipment on a darker looking slab of something and sure enough, the sounds seems deeper and fuller. But in this case I believe it is true. I listen to a TNT Mk IIIish table as well as a HW-19 and while I like how both sound, the TNT sounds more grounded and stable. Not a lot, but you get the feeling that nothing could disturb the playback. I love the sound. Folks say it can sound ponderous and slow but I feel it sounds unperturbed. The tone arm is a SME V, one day I'm gonna try it with the Terminator T3 that sounds just marvelous on the HW-19. I believe that will be a kick-ass combo!