VPI HR-X vs SME 20

Jonathan, to post that a product is having problems without going into any details borders on irrisponsibility. What are you basing your comments on? I ordered my HR-X during the HE 2002 show when the prototype was first shown. The table was delivered in December, 2002 and has operated flawlessly since delivery. During the interim period and since delivery, I had many conversations with Harry Weisfeld regarding the table and its design. Never once was there any mention of problems with the design. I have also heard from a couple of owners in the meantime and there has been no mention of problems. Just what problems are you talking about?

Jonathan, I also find it interesting that you did not mention the fact that you are carry the SME turntable. Given the fact that you did not mention that is also not good form.

Jonathan, I have a lot of respect for you but you are way out of line on this one my friend.

Rufus Smith

Jonathon, I don't think you understand the point I am trying to make here. Your blanket statement that the HR-X has problems appears to be based upon one person's experience. To say that all of the tables have problems based upon one person's experience does not make sense (at least not to me). All I was trying to do was trying to get that point across using the Audio Aero our friend has as an example. If I based my opinion of the AA on his experiences, I wouldn't touch one with a 10 foot pole and I would be wrong as it is an excellent player in spite of its teething problems, which you have been upfront about. I really do feel that if I had made a post about the AA like you did about the HR-X, I would be called on it. That is just my perception based on other posts regarding the AA.

I felt your comment was a slam in an offhand and around the bush way. That may not be what you meant, but that is the way it came across to me and others.

And yes, I do agree with your comment that most manufacturer's probably would not share information about a product that was having problems with a reviewer who was about to review that product. However, that does not apply in this case, as I told Harry up front when I ordered the table in May that I did not want to review it. I bought it solely for my own pleasure to replace a TNT Mk. V HR. The only VPI table I have ever discussed reviewing with the Weisfeld's has been the Scout. As I consider Harry and Shelia good friends, should I review the Scout, that point will be disclosed in the review.

Harry has been very upfront with me about the VPI during the entire design process of the HR-X. He and I talked at least twice a month from the time the table was ordered until it was delivered about how the process was coming. I was made aware of the three tables Jonmatd mentions in his comments by Harry awhile back. Harry has hid nothing from me that I know of.

Assuming your friend has indeed poor service from VPI, it appears to be the exception rather than the rule as evidenced by the posts on this board and AudioAsylum. I just find it hard to believe knowing what I know of VPI that anyone could get bad service from them. But I also realize you are not going to make everyone happy.

Looking forward to talking with you next week and I hope this dialog has not caused any problems between us.

Rufus

Jonathan, let me make sure I have got my facts straight here. Is it correct to assume that your assertions regarding problems with the motor and arm on the HR-X are based on one friend’s experiences? If that is indeed the case, to make a blanket statement that all of the motors and arms are defective is grossly unfair and misleading. Let me illustrate my point. A mutual friend of ours bought an Audio Aero Capitole Mk. II CD Player. As you are well aware, his experiences with the player have been a nightmare. Let’s assume I posted the following on the bulletin board in response to a question regarding the Capitole and another player:

“I would go for the XXXX CD Player. It is a more finished product. The Capitole Mk. II is having all sorts of problems. The XXXX is reliable, ready for market and marvelous.”

How would you have responded to the post? Given that you probably have sold more of these players than any dealer in the country, I imagine you would have been defending the product and calling me on the carpet for doing so. This post is no different than what you posted about the HR-X. Do you now know what I am trying to say here? While your friend may be having problems with his table, to make a blanket condemnation of all of them is way off base.

I am sorry for my confusion over you being an SME dealer. I could have sworn that I saw on the Chambers Audio website that you were a dealer. I would also like to take you up on your offer to contact your friend. I find it very hard to believe his problems have not been addressed by VPI given their reputation in the industry for customer service. I have a suspicion here that we are not getting the whole story on the situation. My motivation for responding to this has nothing to do with me owning one of these tables. I don’t care what you or anyone else thinks about my purchasing decisions. I know my experience with the product and it goes counter to what you have stated. I just don’t like to see one of the truly nice people in this industry getting unfairly slammed.

All the best,

Rufus