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VPI Speed Problem

I have a VPI Super Scoutmaster with SDS. Fabulous sound, had it for about a year. I moved to a new place about 5 months ago and have had it set up and working well for about 3 months in the new location.

Recently, I thought the first song on some album sides sounded slow, but as the album played a minute or two, all sounded right again. Now, everything sounds slow all the time, both 33's and 45's. I tried bypassing the SDS, though there is no speed setting on the motor assembly, so I don't know if that should sound right, but it sounds very slow and muddy as well.

Any thoughts on what might be wrong or how to troubleshoot? Any insight would be appreciated.
kthomas

Showing 4 responses by tfkaudio

tfkaudio
591 posts
 
I would check the speed with a strobe. I live in Chicago and I need to adjust the speed using the SDS during the winter because the table runs slower.

Also, make sure the junction box isn't contacting the platter.

And, make sure the pully on the motor is fastened tight. Do you have the 300 rpm motor or the dual motor flywheel? Or the rim drive?

And, make sure the platter bearing is lubricated with white lithium grease.

Have I missed anything?

Cheers.
tfkaudio
591 posts
 
A clarification... it's the outer ring clamp that gets extremely close to the junction box, not the platter itself. During your move, if the junction box moved even a little, it might now be rubbing against the outer ring clamp. You just need to loosen it and move it a little bit back.

Cheers.
tfkaudio
591 posts
 
Geez, kids. The guy is trying to troubleshoot a problem. He didn't open by saying "I'm having trouble with my VPI TT which beats the pants off those crappy Lenco rebuilds." or "I'm having trouble with my VPI TT so please tell me which table I should buy instead."

Try to help here. Argue with your spouse if you've got one, which I would doubt.

Cheers.
tfkaudio
591 posts
 
The strobe is a must. You can then figure out how slow you are. With the SDS you should be able to bring it up to the correct speed. However, if a strobe says you're way way off, then it's best to find the reason for being so slow. Since you've got the dual motor flywheel, make sure the flywheel is lubricated. Make sure both motors are spinning (take the belts off to verify this). Make sure both pullies are tight. Make sure the motor is not too close to the table. Too close and you'll have no belt tension. I think mine is about 1/4 inch away (i have the rim drive, however). Finally, make sure nothing is coming into contact with the platter and slowing it down with friction.

If speed checks out, then you might need to check your cartridge, tonearm wire and phono pre-amp. Is there any possibility that your cartridge got damaged? Cartridge pins on tight? Is the lemo connector inserted correctly and seated?

Boy, I'm tired. Maybe CD IS the way go?

By the way, I just listened to the new "Astral Weeks" reissue. Spectacular! (Although it's the first vinyl edition I've ever owned. My only comparison is to the really incredibly shitty sounding CD that I bought in the 1980's.)

Cheers.

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