The VPI is much more a set and almost forget than the Well Tempered. Other than adjusting vta on occasion, it is pretty free from maintenance. Three of my friends have switched from a Well Tempered turntable to a VPI after seeing and using my Scout. The main reason they switched was because of the constantly breaking fishing line and the constant tweaking.
Playing records should be pleasurable, not torture. |
Great choice...if you can get the 3D arm on it do so. The metal arm is fine, but the 3D is spectacular. |
I had an Amadeus, as well as a GTA. I decided to sell my second system, and sold my Amadeus. The GTA remains in my my main system. I won't waste time commenting on the experiences of others, so I will focus on my own. I have changed just 1 belt in many years. My speed according to my KAB is accurate, and it sounds excellent. Obviously, handling the belt should be done gently, and that's what I do. I admit it would be nice to have touch/button speed control, but I don't listen to many 45's so it's not a huge deal for me. The Amadeus is a great sounding table, I am not familiar with the REFERENCE, so I can't comment directly. That said, you do own it, so why not give it a go. |
Davey, I bought one of the very first Super Scoutmasters when it came out, with the 9" JMW arm and acrylic platter.
I have since upgraded to Super Scoutmaster Reference with Rim Drive, 10" 3D arm, Classic platter with oil pumping inverted bearing, and Terracone footers. I have used the Super Platter which was better than the original acrylic, but the Classic platter blows the others away IMO. One of the great things about VPI and this particular table is the ability to upgrade tonearm, platter, drive system, footers, etc. "if you want to", or leave it the way it is. The original table is an excellent performer, reliable, great sound. If you decide to buy this table you should know that you are getting top quality performance for your money. VPI service has been excellent as well. |
That Reference is a different generation from the newer Amadeus, Simplex, etc. That older generation was a little more hassle in terms of set-up and maintenance than the newer ones from what I can tell. |
I owned a Well Tempered Classic for 15 years. For me, it was total set and forget. Only replaced a belt once in that time.
If a Well Tempered requires frequent maintenance, it's not set up correctly. Personally, I thought setup was idiot proof, but I guess not. Breaking the fishing line?? I can't imagine how anyone could do that. The user shouldn't ever touch the fishing line and should never exert the kind of force on the arm that would be required to break the line. |
Maybe I'm wrong, but I thought the OP was referring to the belt, not the fishing line that suspends the arm. If he is indeed talking about the arm, then I agree with you. That should not be a concern.
Shakey |
I've had my Well Tempered Original TT (not the Classic) since they first came out. In fact, the arm is one of the very first produced by Bill Firebaugh. I've never had one of the monofilament lines break. I have modified the arm somewhat. I have the heavy brass clamp around the arm well that greatly reduces micro vibrations and improves the overall sound. Also, I rewired the arm with Cardas wire and have a layer of shrink wrap on the entire length of the arm. Most recently, I replaced my worn and stretched out old belt with a custom made belt from Originlive.com. I highly recommend this belt. The WT belt should be replaced about every two years. When properly setup, the WT Classic keeps up with much more expensive tables. If you can find it, read Moncrieff's early review. |
I have been looking for the J Peter Moncrieff article on the original Well Tempered Turntable...does anyone have a copy or link to it? Looking for info on setting one up. Thanks. |
Pix4work ...
I've searched the web over and over and can't find it. I used to subscribe to Moncrieff's excellent publication, but somehow over the years I misplace the multi-page review. One hint that I learned from him was to put one twist in the belt. It really does sound better that way. |
Don't bother. Moncrieff is an idiot, a leech and a vandal. When a company insisted that he return their component that he had kept for at least two years, he got all hissy and vandalized it before sending it back. If he had been in the same country as the manufacturer he could have been arrested. |
zombie thread revival.
i was also an original well tempered owner and found it was pretty much set and forget.
in terms of build quality the old tables beat the new chinese made ones hands down.
|
