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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.
ctlphd

Showing 1 response by brf

brf
1,715 posts
 
There are only 3 things that can happen when shipping a TNT. 1) Damaged bearing, 2) Damaged arm, 3) Damage cartridge. Take the platter off. If you are worried about the platter not seating exactly on the spindle when you reinsert the platter, use the screw down clamp and remove the platter and spindle assembly as one piece. Take the arm off. This can be done by removing the 6 bolts that hold the arm mounting board. You can transport the tomearm, arm board and cartridge with stylus guard as one piece if you pack extremely well, BUT, if it were me, I would take the cartridge off to avoid any possibility of damage.

When you lift the plinth off your current support shelf, the feet will remain in place, therefore, you have no other option than to transport the feet separately.

If you have the TNT with air bladder support towers, take the air out of the bladder if you are shipping by air transport.
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