• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

VPI HW 19 III w/audioquest tone arm

rocknroll1

rocknroll1

Well-Known Member
Just picked up this TT but not familiar with this tonearm. I have another VPI with the JMW tonearm but not familiar with audio quest. Can someone give me info on this table and arm. I have 2 carts I am thinking about putting on it a ortofon 2mm black and a shure v15. Thanks guys.
 
Register to hide this ad
Someone else with 2 VPI tables (HW 19 III and Aries 2).
My HW19 III is mounted with a Linn Ittok arm currently fitted with a Denon DL-103D and it is very deserving of it's excellent reputation.
Do you know which audioquest tonearm it is? If it's one of the fluid damped arms (possibly Jelco made), the damping would give you a fairly large range of cartridges.
I don't have experience with Audioquest arms, but do have a fluid damped Jelco 750d and it has handled a number of high and low compliance cartridges without problems.
Enjoy the table.
 
run_around said:
Someone else with 2 VPI tables (HW 19 III and Aries 2).
My HW19 III is mounted with a Linn Ittok arm currently fitted with a Denon DL-103D and it is very deserving of it's excellent reputation.
Do you know which audioquest tonearm it is? If it's one of the fluid damped arms (possibly Jelco made), the damping would give you a fairly large range of cartridges.
I don't have experience with Audioquest arms, but do have a fluid damped Jelco 750d and it has handled a number of high and low compliance cartridges without problems.
Enjoy the table.
Click to expand...

Not sure what arm it is but here is a picture. Any other info on table and performance would be appreciated.
upload_2017-5-31_10-9-48.jpeg
 
run_around said:
That looks like one of the PT arms, so it should be fluid damped.
You can download the user's manual from VinylEngine (you need to sign up for free account to download)
https://www.vinylengine.com/library/audioquest/pt7.shtml
Click to expand...
I want get it until next week but I messaged the guy I bought it from and he said he thought it was a AG (he is selling it for someone) but I am sure he saw the AQ logo and mistook it for AG
 
Looks like one of the 5-8 arms. They were all the same except for the connecting cable. That is a very nice arm and can handle a wide variety of cartridges. You could put a $2000 cartridge on this arm and it will not be out classed. If it were mine I would check the bearing since it's getting up in years and if it's fine put a nice cartridge on it and enjoy. The good news is that VPI can resurface the thrust plate and it will be good for another 25 years of use. I would look at trying a SDS, ADS, or an older PLC. This will improve the operation of the table a great bit. Nice setup you have.
Sturgus
 
I have one. Its the Audioquest PT-6 in my machine. Its modern day equivalent is the Jelco SA-250 , I do believe......
 
WaynerN said:
I have one. Its the Audioquest PT-6 in my machine. Its modern day equivalent is the Jelco SA-250 , I do believe......
Click to expand...
yep, with one slight bit of difference. It's built to Linn mounting specs (211) and offset, where as the Jelco 250ST (not SA) is 210mm and a >~~>> ll<~~<< more offset. very nice arm for that price range.
 
The PT-6 also has fluid dampening, Jelco 250 does not. The arm pictured has a thicker arm tube than the PT-6, thinking it may be a PT-8 which has upgraded Litz wire and better bearings than the other arms. Arm will handle many cartridges, MM and MC, excellent arm and nice table.
 
Thanks guys for the replies. here is another picture, I want get it Tuesday. I have a TNT also and will be getting a new mc cart for it and will probably pass down its ortofon mm2 black to this table but know nothing about this arm. Seller doesn't know tonearm model # and says he can't find on the arm.

s-l1600.jpg
 
I don't remember ever seeing the model numbers 5 through 8 being on the arms, would have been in the shipping box. as noted the difference between the 5, 6, and 7 were the arm cables supplied with them, ie, good, better, best. the 8 did have better internal wire, and shipped with the cables that came with the 7. I however don't remember any difference in tube diameter between them. possible the 8 had a thicker outer polyfin
covering...dunno. EM of the arms were all the same as far as I can remember. The 8 model would have been a lateral move with the Linn Akito in performance, with the advantage of the damping mech under the round cap on the pivot boss making it a bit more versatile in cart selection.
 
AudioSoul said:
I believe the AQ arms were considered medium mass, around 13 gms. That would rule out high compliance carts....
Click to expand...


don't remember them being that heavy, the Jelco 250ST is a 10gr arm. the fluid damping in the AQ makes them more acceptable to a wider range of CU.
 
I have had the PT-6, and the PT-8. They are different in size with the tube shape, and can handle numerous cartridges on them. I've used the Pickering XLZ-7500S MKII, SAE 1000E, Denon DL-300,Denon DL-103,Stanton 881S MKII,Ortofon VMS 30E MKII, and the arms are on an AR-The Turntable (PT-6),and Ariston RD-11 Superior.The picture on your arm looks to be the thicker PT-8 to me. They can also use a heavier counterweight as well I think. The PT-6 is the lighter colored arm.

Either cartridge should sound fine I would think. Especially using the damping fluid.

ar2.jpg ari4.jpg
 
Based on experience with VPI HW-19 w/ AQ PT arm the Denon carts are generally a great match if you like the Denon sound. If you want a new LOMC then consider a DL-301MKII or if you prefer HOMC then consider a DL-110. I would think the Ortofon would be fine and some of the Dynavector carts could be a good match as well. Side note I think I saw your table on the big auction site and seems it had a Van Den Hul MM cart on it. Great table and arm. Enjoy...
 
Last edited:
brentj4 said:
Based on experience with VPI HW-19 w/ AQ PT arm the Denon carts are generally a great match if you like the Denon sound. If you want a new LOMC then consider a DL-301MKII or if you prefer HOMC then consider with a new DL-110. I would think the Ortofon would be fine and some of the Dynavector carts could be a good match as well. Side note I think I saw your table on the big auction site and seems it had a Van Den Hul MM cart on it. Great table and arm. Enjoy...
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info and yes you are correct about seeing it. waited till auction was over and got it a little cheaper. I don't know anything about the Van Den Hul cart, are they any good?
 
I have no experience or reference point on the VDH MM carts.

Someone may have already mentioned this but check the bearings on your arm for wear.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom