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Downsizing from VPI HW-19

Hey all,

I've been a more-or-less happy owner of a VPI HW-19 Mk.4 for the past few years, but I've found I'm more of a vinyl appreciator than a devotee. That said, I do ferret out the best pressings on discogs and other venues of certain lp's I want, and my VPI (with Benz Ace S cartridge) DOES produce a hauntingly beautiful sound through the Jolida JD9 Mk. 2 phono than my Rotel 1072 does through the Jolida FX DAC. But I feel I'm constantly fussing with VTF, azimuth, and the need to level the three-screw platter of the HW-19. I even bought a dial indicator and clamp and still have a devil of a time. I finally took out the three screws. But now am paranoid about a difference in sound.

In short, I find I'm listening to the vinyl system rather than the vinyl music.

I'm not really a mechanical guy. I mean, I'm happy soldering new tweeters into speakers, but I know I've already screwed up the SAMA by letting it contact the plinth when it shouldn't have. The sound's not affected, but I'm going to have to solder a new bearing motor into the SAMA.

What's a good downsize? I originally had a Project 5.1 SE with a Sumiko Blue Point before I acquired the VPI. But the VPI/Benz sound is beautiful and what I want, though. How can I downsize to a less demanding table and still have a warm and palpable sound?

Thank you for any and all feedback. Please be gentle.

s
simao

Showing 1 response by wlutke

wlutke
744 posts
 
When the three screws are set properly there will not be any advantage to getting a lesser table. Once you screw up the cart alignment on the new one you’ll have the same problem - lack of skill and experience. For the record, if you have concrete floors, dump the springs for the pucks.
The MK IV responds extremely well to tweaks. My best tweak was the sapphire thrust pad and ceramic bearing from Applied Fidelity($195). I found that replacing the springs, feet and clamp were all well worth the investment too. If you have a period JMW 10 arm, my mods are listed at http://vpiindustries.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=4881. The improvements are over-the-top phenomenal. All table and arm mods were applied over the last three years.
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