2. analog
  3. 191398-195911

VPI TNT 3

My first post! After many years of coviting this turntable, I finally ran across a 1993 TNT Series 3 for sale in my area, and for a decent price! Apparently in excellent condition. After asking all of the relevent questions, I snatched it up like no tomorrow! It came without tonearm or cartridge, but I figured out that the arm board holes were of the correct dimension and spacing to fit what I had to install: Sumiko Premier FT-3K tonearm and a Sumiko Blue Point Special cartridge. Well the K in the FT-3 meant that the hole required some mods to allow the Kenetic VTA adjustment structures! So once that was all worked out and a new large 1/4” thick aluminum platform was fabricated to sit atop my solid steel gear rack floating on 4 VPI Sorbathane legs (great for isolation). Then all of the standard alignments were thoroughly made…

Finally, I was ready to experience what this table had to offer! And OMG, I was not disappointed, even coming from a VPI HW-19 Mk III (same arm/cart pair), I was astounded at how much more there was in my record collection that I could not hear before! WOW!

I’m sure you are all aware of the virtues of the TNT, the bass reaches all new lows, and with such power and grace! There was so much more space and dimension, everything seemed so much more well defined. I had trouble getting through any one album, I wanted to listen to the next one that I had lined up for testing and sheer enjoyment!!! LOL

But my real reason for posting here was to get some feedback on how to get a replacement of the Pulley Drive System? I understand that the original owner had it purposely removed (and was not included in the packaging, except for a few of the remnants… short belt, double pulley head, mounting hardware, etc). Does anyone on here know where to get a replacement pulley drive system?

After a few more days to absorb the sonic benefits of the TNT 3, I will provide a detailed update on what I have experienced.

bhenry91
pindac's avatar
pindac
2,826 posts
 

When I moved on from Idler Drive TT’s to onto the use of TT’s being the DD TT design, After a short time in to the DD TT’s usage, it become apparent that I was in possession of a Complete TT with extremely accurate Speed Control for less monies that the cost required to own Off Board Speed Controllers for the owned ID TT’s.

The same is also witnessed for the Off Board Speed Controllers made available for BD TT’s, their expense to purchase is quite something, and a very decent DD TT, with accurate built in Speed Control can be acquired for not too different monies.

In terms of using Vinyl as the Source, the market for BD TT’s as the tool to replay a Vinyl LP is quite a large market, without investigation, it would be easy to assume the BD TT has the largest proportion of TT sales.

The BD TT market has running parallel, a market for devices being sold to make available improved speed control, that come come with such heft as a asking price. This to me, when such asking prices are seen for the additional devices is saddening. Having to meet such extra outlays for an improved speed control does not rest well, as BD TT's are modern as a design, surely the manufactures are able to offer the best practice speed control with supplied TT's 

Low turnover of sales with a High Mark Up does seem to be the sales model for add on Speed Controllers.

stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,457 posts
 

I have a Superscoutmaster upgraded with the ceramic platter, et al..   My table sounds best on Audiopoints....house is single floor no basement.

bhenry91 OP
7 posts
 

Regarding the PLC not working for 45rpms… I took the PLC into my local Audio Repair tech… and in about 10 mins he had it working!  He said it just required a small adjustment!  And sure enough it spins 45’s right on speed. Fantastic! 

mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,543 posts
 

Nothing that I have heard so far counts as effective isolation. Mass does not isolate a turntable from environmental noise. It does isolate the table from mechanical mishaps like skipping due to bumping into the table or using a heavy hand. The table is harder to move. Effective isolation is an isolation platform like the Vibraplane or the MinusK. 

Clearaudio use to sell it's magnetic bearing assemblies in graded lengths for different thickness platters. I wonder if that one could be adopted to your table. It is way better than any VPI bearing. 

You might consider a full Eclipse drive system from Sota, also way better than any VPI drive.

Get a reflex clamp like the one Sota makes. 

Your tonearm is made by Jelco, not a bad thing. Your cartridge sports a 3 X 7 elliptical stylus and it tracks at 2 grams. This will lead to accelerated record wear as the contact patch is so small. Track forces that high require a line contact stylus. In that arm I would highly suggest a Soundsmith Aide. If finances won't allow it I can personally vouch for a Shure V15 V MR with a Jico SASB stylus. For about $500 you can not do better. You would have to get a super light headshell for it. 

More to discover