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What direction is VPI headed?

First let me state that I own a VPI Prime w/perifial ring, SDS, and a couple extra arm wands so I have invested some $ overall, this being my third VPI table, with that said I am a happy VPI customer but here recently have taken a few notes on their constantly coming up with the next iteration of what ever is moving well and I do believe the Prime is one of those. When they came out with the Prime Signature it was hard not to sell and replace with it but I didn't now the Prime Signature Rosewood is gorgeous but at $6,800.00, now when you get to that cost level I started looking used and have seen the prices dropping ridiculously low on a couple of HRX setups with all the extras for  a lot less than that and they still aren't moving. I know there are those that speak of VPIs marketing from time to time but what is going on.
tooblue

Showing 2 responses by vpi

vpi's avatar
vpi
223 posts
 
@turntablemat
I've owned an HW-19 for longer than I care to recount.  Purchased as a MK III and upgraded to MK IV with original SAMA.  I have enjoyed this table for over 20 years.  If properly setup, with the proper arm, I believe it still competes with the finest today whether made by VPI or others.  When I say "with the the proper arm", I must explain I am a huge fan of linear tracking Arms and in particular the ET II.  The upgrade path for this arm and the inherently more accurate tracking of linear trackers (IMO) make them far superior to all but the very best pivoted arms.  The HW -19 and TNTs were a perfect match for the ET II arm.  

To my point: While I certainly understand VPI's marketing decision in dropping replaceable armboards and discontinuing support for the HW-19 line, there are many audiophiles like me who continue to use the HW-19 because of its synergy with the ET II.  In discontinuing the original SAMA and replacement parts for the HW-19 and failing to offer a table with armboards which will support linear trackers you have shut out a significant slice of the audiophile community.  Just take a look at the number of contributors to the ET II forum here on Audiogon.  I know, in terms of the overall market, we linear trackers are a small slice, however, many of us would prefer to stick with VPI.  By the way, Bruce Thigpen still supports the ET II.
vpi's avatar
vpi
223 posts
 
@slaw 

Rumor has it Harry said he discontinued the HW -19 because it got too expensive to manufacture and sell at at a reasonable price.  With a TNT platter and bearing and a SAMA I've heard few tables selling for less than 10k that best it.  But then music is in the ear of the listener.  Then again, I'm sure any table with a modern high density plinth and a high quality, stand alone motor would be a good platform for the ET.  The problem is fewer and fewer manufacturers are producing tables with replaceable arm boards so one cannot swap arms without ending up with a plinth that's full of holes

ET has recently started selling an extra long weight I-beam.  (It's not on the web site but if you call or email Bruce he'll sell you one).  I'm using one with double springs and have no problem with tail wagging the dog.  It is so long you cannot use a standard dust cover but then attached dust covers degrade sq anyway.  The further out on the beam the weights are placed the better the sq. This with a VDH Black Beauty SPX which is a high compliance cartridge and tracks at a low VTF.  My Second cartridge is a Lyra Delos which is relatively low compliance but it also tracks fine.  

I've toyed with replacing the springs with something firmer but have yet to try them.

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