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VPI Classic 3 IDLE drive

Hi all,

I have as VPI Classic 3 I bought about 1 year ago and I was lately looking at the pictures on their website and notice that the classic now has an idle drive.
I also noticed that the platter has grooves where the belt goes, while mine doesn't.
I then called vpi and asked them if the idle drive was ready to be purchased for upgrade but They told me it wasn't.

Today while looking on you tube, I saw a video with a classic 3 with the same device I have seen on the website.

It is basically a larger pulley that touches the platter thus functioning like a rim drive however it still uses the belt along with it.

I was wondering if anybody here can help understand if this upgrade is finally available.

Thanks.
Stefano.
stefanoo

Showing 1 response by redglobe

redglobe
223 posts
 
Hi Stefano,
I used a syringe and used synthetic motor oil for a car (5W30). I applied a single drop on the shaft just below the pulley of my TNT. The multi-weight grade oil is inconsequential. It is just what I had available. Though I chose it for its superior film strength and light viscosity. I used the same for my VPI TNT bearing.

The lighter weight oil versus grease in the bearing well, greatly improved the performance of the TT. With the grease the sound was sluggish and smeared. The 5W30 allowed the TT to reproduce greater dynamics and openness to the music.

This makes sense since the grease places a greater drag on the motor which counters the inertia of the platter.
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