I would like to start with a humble apology to the OP of a thread I recently (overtook) for personal reasons. smrex13, I apologize to you and hope your audio journey going forward is joyous!
To donvito101, I made my remarks personal and for this I apologize.
I checked for remarks from yesterday on the "VPI Prime noise issues" (2 threads, why, I don't know) . I still find it odd that VPI did not remark on smrex13' original thread, only to his last thread that ended, "not VPI's fault".
I've had a couple of issues since purchasing my VPI Classic 3 SE Sig. one year ago. I sent, (through my dealer), an initial question about the arm tower's operation on Feb 2016. I was told it would be forwarded to VPI. As of today, I've not received one comment.
I've recently, in the past 3 months, had a vibration issue through the 3D arm when the SDS is set at 33rpm. It is not noticeable at 45 rpm. I feel it through the finger lift.
I've tried oiling the motor, cleaning the belt & new talcum, the spindle bearing is just like recommended with the proper grease etc...
I relayed all of this through my dealer who asked for pictures and I sent them. This was two weeks ago. As of today, not one word. Because of my last question through my dealer in Feb w/ no response, I'm a little weary.
OK. So, my position is.... I should go through the proper channels. The dealer, right? VPI has their sales set up through a dealer network. This, I assume, is to take a burden off of them so they can be focused on manufacturing?
We/I/ you, pay a premium for this? I assume it's around 100% added to the actual cost of manufacturing. So, if I have an issue, I should follow the way VPI has their dealer network set up and take my concerns to the dealer. If this is not the way things should work, why then, doesn't VPI just sell directly? We/me/the end user could save BIG BUCKS.
That's pretty much the whole issue. I have no idea why VPI does not want to make any effort to settle this issue.
I would be surprised if any VPI dealer, or VPI itself, will have an interest in producing a custom armboard for a long-discontinued TNT. SOL! As Lewm suggests, this is a job for a custom shop. As regards VPI disintermediating itself from basic customer service functions(if true), this is bad business for a company operating on their scale. Is there an example of another high end audio company with a similarly strong brand and market dominance who will not provide direct customer support? As regards the prospect of VPI adopting a direct sales model, this makes no sense for a company with their brand recognition and sales numbers. They have the leverage of a large retail channel that would be foolish to abandon.
As a long-time TNT owner, my personal experience is that their customer support can be spotty, but with persistence will deliver satisfaction.
Sorry about the issues that you are having. However I am really surprised because I have always had a very positive experience with a direct call to VPI. When Harry was fully running the show, he would take calls and take the time to answer questions and offer suggestions. I have found the same to be true for Matt and the team currently running the place.
Recently I have called out of the blue and requested to chat with Matt or Mike and got patched straight thru and never been advised to contact my dealer except to make a purchase of an upgrade item that is sourced through the dealer.
I have been a VPI customer for almost 15 years and other than my initial purchase of my Scoutmaster from a VPI dealer, all my other interactions have been direct calls to VPI and the interaction has guided my upgrade path. A very happy customer and very positive experience. I recommend calling VPI direct and ask to speak with Matt. I am sure he would at least listen to your concerns and work with you. They really are very nice folks. I have no affiliation to VPI besides their gear.
@slaw Lots of unfair piling on VPI in this thread. That seems to be the way with very successful audio brands who encounter loquacious "experts" around here. But everything you describe suggests a weak dealer, rather than an all-out VPI problem. Go ahead and call VPI or post your question on their very active forum, which is followed by company representatives. Why in the world would you think the answer could be more readily be found on Audiogon rather than from the manufacturer?
If VPI tells you to go thru your dealer, IMO, that's not right. VPI should help you directly if your dealer isn't and then VPI should deal with the dealer after your problem is resolved. If your dealer doesn't follow thru with supporting you, post a thread indicating if anybody else is having a problem with dealer "xxxxx".
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