VPI remains an excellent company and provides excellent support for its products. And, the products across its range are an excellent value. I don't know whether it's true or not that the cost of VPI parts has increased ... I haven't needed any parts in years.
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That's very sad. So who's left, some megabuck table company like the one on the cover of this month's Absolute Sound? The prices are $100K+ for the table, $20K+ for the arm, and probably another $15K for the cartridge. I've thought about it and decided I'm not ready to lay out $135K+ for my next turntable. So, where do I look next for a customer-friendly manufacturer that will be around for the long term? Any thoughts? |
Tonykay: VPI isn't what it used to be, since the dealers handle the parts they seem to think that they can charge about anything that comes to mind, I have about 10 VPI turntables and sometimes I think that I should just part them out........It would be nice to just get a part at a fair price and go on about ones business, but those days are over........Will |
I was a dealer twice at widely separated times and they were very good but it has been 5 years since I was. In a completely different note I found replacing the standard feet with brass ones improved the sound. I told Harry this but I suspect that they were either too expensive or too much trouble. Then Star Sound had threded ones which just had to be screwed in in place of the standard ones. |
I recently sold my two turntables (SP-10 Mk 2, Luxman PD-444) in the hope of consolidating into one, recent vintage table. Although I have not found one yet, I have settled on VPI as I believe parts are still available from VPI in the event repairs or updating are needed. Some of the comments above concern me as they indicate that there is no one at VPI that answers the phone. I'm skeptical of manufacturers that don't offer service or advice on their products and rely only on the dealer network to deal with customers. I had always believed that VPI is customer-oriented. Has that changed? |
I once had to go machine shop(one next to me is inside Napa autoparts) to cut me one for Sansui turntable that only had pulley for 50Hz by calculating diameter. When you see turntable motor pulley, you will normally note barrel-like shape where the belt snaps. This preferably should stay same as in original one. I was able to take measurements at different points and figure out the slope radius and mention on the draft. |
Ask your question here: http://vpiindustries.com/forum/ |
Never have dealt with them(Bob’s), but- my sentiments would be the same. Yep, dealing with Harry directly, was a pleasure. I have dealt with these guys, many times and have been very satisfied with their business ethic: (http://www.elusivedisc.com/VPI/departments/239/) They're a VPI dealer, so probably can get parts. |
Thanks rodman, I tried to e-mail him, but he wants my life history back to when I was born.......He doesn't need that to sell me a small part.....Boy it used to be nice to call "Harry" and get a part in a couple days, pay the bill and get on with your project....I tried to get a belt for my VPI scout, sent the money to a dealer in Seattle and got no belt and no refund......But thanks, will keep trying |
I would try here: (http://www.bobsdevices.com/VPI-Accessories.html), since (apparently) one cannot contact VPI directly, any longer: (https://www.vpiindustries.com/products.html) |