Replace tnt2 springs with new vpi isolators?

Thats funny. Prior to selling their own isolators, I spoke with Mike at VPI regarding my VPI HW19 Mk.IV table, and the possibility of a new Tonearm. I have a very well renowned ZETA Tonearm, which works best with the best MC cartridges out there...Koetsu.....Benz...Zyx...etc....Low Compliant MC cartridges. Anyway, Mike wanted to sell me the JMW 10.5i Memorial Tonearm, with armboard for $2100.00......He said that the only reason that the HW19 series was discontinued, was because they were very expensive to make, but a great table, and preferred to the Scout and Airies. He told me that with the new JMW arm, Id have a Table that would be tough to beat. He also told me to leave the sprung suspension...he told me that I could use the sorbothane pucks, or the Toys R Us Swimming Noodles, cut down, to give me to solid table, no springs, but was sure Id prefer the Springs, as he does himself. Now that they are selling their own product, all the sudden he is pushing them Isolation pucks...seems more of a business angle to me. He said that the airy suapension of the springs on the HW19 MK.IV was very hard to beat, and better than the non suspended version of the same table. Ray

Hi Chris,

Yes Mike told me I could try both ways myself also, but said in end Id return to springs. I too have the Dial PLC, and had a problem, dont remember what it was, but Mike sent me another one, that was sent in to them, and told me to switch out a certain IC, but my problem ended up resolved, and the one he sent me, only problem was that the transformer had broken loose from it anchoring to the bottom of the box, very simple fix, and I use that on my second turntable system. It was nice of him to send me another unit, he may do the same for you, especially if you are contemplating a new table. Ray

Melm,
Are you referring to the TNT or the HW19 MK.IV? What are the cups your referring to? Mike told me about using the Foam Floaties for swimming pools, that is sold at Toys R Us....its a long foam tube, he said to cut like 3 inch peices, and try them in the 4 spring locations, if I wanted to experiment with a non spring suspended table. I have also heard of guys using squash balls, I think cut in half?? or is it the full ball? Any other special parts needed? Mike did tell me that instead of the $2400.00 to put a JMW 10.5i arm and armboard on my HW19 MK.IV, he could use a B Stock JMW 10.5i tonearm with armboard for $1400.00....but Im still not so sure about the JMW Tonearms. I have heard so many pros and cons....My ZETA is a very good tonearm, and matches well with most of todays top MC Cartridges. Ray