upgrade VPI HW19 Mk IV or get a new table?


There was a discussion recently on upgrading the VPI HW19 TT recently, but I can't find it-I have a HW19 MKIV with a TNT platter and a SAMA. I am using an SME 4 arm and a Koetsu Urishi blue cartridge. Should I spring for a new "super platter" or other upgrades for the MKIV or keep the SME and Koetsu and go for a new tt? I don't think a JM arm will fit on the HW19, and I'm not sure it would buy me an improvement over the SME. Are the newer VPI's that much better than the HW19? What think you all?
siramazing

Showing 2 responses by johnjc

The Mk IV is a really good turntable I had a very similar turntable set up but used the SME 4 silver wired arm and changed my arm to the Trans Fi Terminator Parrell Tracking arm it was a big increase in sound in all aspects I hear the SDS makes a difference but if using the old heavy duty TNT platter no need to change this no real difference in terms of sound
Good isolation is really important perhaps use a wall shelf if you can or have it mounted on Buthers Maple board
I am waiting for VPI to send me the super scoutmaster plinth to replace my old HW19 Chassis and will also get the rim drive and SDS in the process I am keeping my super platter I have the lead version which is just as good as the super platter. The main reason VPI no longer makes this is because of laws around using lead not because of sonics
Its possible to do this in stages if you have the SAMA motor the Super scoutmaster chassis is actually quite reasonable $350 and in theory should be better than the HW19
I have a friend who is making his own chassis out of slate and using the Verus motor by Teres, its also possible to get a plinth arcylic sandwich made
I think the HW19 is a really good turntable and no need to go down the same extremes as me but once everything is put together and bedded in I will compare the rim drive with the Verus and report back and also let you know my thoughts around difference between the HW19 mk4 and Super scoutmaster