Why does the VPI motor thump

I had 2 VPI's and they both did that. I now have a Basis and it never does it. Simple answer: Bad design on the VPI's.

Bpoletti, with all due respect, I had an SDS on my Classic2 and Classic3 and there was still the same sound so I'm not sure what you're talking about.

Secondly, I didn't mean to imply that there are no good qualities to VPI tables but it seems reasonable to assume that if a person is spending thousands of dollars on a TT that they shouldn't have to mess around muting the pre every time they what to spin an lp, it's ridiculous. Considering virtually every other company seems to have figured out how to get the platter going without this obvious flaw, and it is a flaw no matter what VPI says, a company as wealthy and hyped as VPI could correct this, if they cared to.

I bought my Classic 2 used from a highly reputable store and then bought my Classic 3 at the VPI factory where Harry personally put the box in my hands. Both of these tables made the exact same noise when hitting the power switch. I have no personal problem with Harry as a person, he seems like a very nice guy but this particular issue is a problem. Customers shouldn't need to do a modification or upgrade to have a product work without problems. I don't think that this qualifies as "VPI bashing", I think its calling a spade a spade.