VPI Turntable Owners Thread
- Thread starter MikeCh
- Start date
scottyophile
New Member
Hi all!
Brand new Super Prime Scout owner here! Just received it in the mail a couple of days ago. Still waiting on a maple platform and a cover to arrive. It won’t be here for at least another 1-2 weeks. It’s ok though, I’m going on vacation tomorrow night.
This is my first table so you may see me hanging around here asking questions. I can’t wait to set it up! Any pointers would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance and cheers!
Scottyophile
Brand new Super Prime Scout owner here! Just received it in the mail a couple of days ago. Still waiting on a maple platform and a cover to arrive. It won’t be here for at least another 1-2 weeks. It’s ok though, I’m going on vacation tomorrow night.
This is my first table so you may see me hanging around here asking questions. I can’t wait to set it up! Any pointers would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance and cheers!
Scottyophile
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guiller
Toscaninichus Australis
Welcome to the AK community!
Anyone have experience with the VPI ADS? I am thinking of getting one to run my old HW-19 II. The HW runs about 2% slow because the pulley diameter is wrong and needs an AC power regeneration box with adjustable frequency to correct the speed error. I have the old VPI PLC that does that but it also introduces hum in the audio signal.
So wondering if an ADS would work here.
Sent this same question to VPI but they have not responded (yet).
Thx.
So wondering if an ADS would work here.
Sent this same question to VPI but they have not responded (yet).
Thx.
markd51
Nyuk Nyuk
I would assume yes.
I'm not sure if the SDS is still made? You might want to keep an eye on Audiogon for a clean used unit of either. Might save you some $$$. That's where I bought my brand new SDS some years back and saved some good money. ( I paid $700)
In any case, I'm sure you well know you need to compliment such with a good Strobe Disc. I always used my KAB Strobe Disc all along, and had it prior to buying my SDS. The KAB Strobe easily confirmed my speed errors (a bit slow as well). I strongly doubt any of these synchronous AC Motor VPI Tables ran dead on, no matter what.
It's an expensive pill to swallow I know.
I'm not sure if the SDS is still made? You might want to keep an eye on Audiogon for a clean used unit of either. Might save you some $$$. That's where I bought my brand new SDS some years back and saved some good money. ( I paid $700)
In any case, I'm sure you well know you need to compliment such with a good Strobe Disc. I always used my KAB Strobe Disc all along, and had it prior to buying my SDS. The KAB Strobe easily confirmed my speed errors (a bit slow as well). I strongly doubt any of these synchronous AC Motor VPI Tables ran dead on, no matter what.
It's an expensive pill to swallow I know.
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dosley01
Active Member
Yes, the ADS (Or SDS) will work fine. HW19 uses the same Hurst motors VPI still uses to this day. There really aren't too many options out there that will work with the wattage the motors pull. The 600RPM motor in the HW19 uses 10 watts.
Pio1980
AK Member
SOTA adopted the far superior Phoenix Engineering system from its originator, Bill Carlen. While not budget priced, it is the best system option if adaptable to the VPI. The Falcon controller could handle the smaller Hurst motors, the Eagle controller the heavier motors on other makes and models. The Roadrunner tach control works looped into either.
This system uses the rim tach Roadrunner unit to maintain any selected platter speed under all operating cdx by direct feedback from the platter, no other non-direct drive control system does that.
This system uses the rim tach Roadrunner unit to maintain any selected platter speed under all operating cdx by direct feedback from the platter, no other non-direct drive control system does that.
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Pio1980
AK Member
First I've heard of that, thank you for the post!
beatcomber
AK Member
I just joined the club! I sent payment for a gently used Prime Scout last night, and will be driving down to Manhattan on Saturday next week to pick it up.
This will be my first non-vintage, big boy turntable. Stoked!
This will be my first non-vintage, big boy turntable. Stoked!
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Since my post above, VPI has responded to my email question saying the ADS will work with the HW19 II. I believe, though there is a problem with noise radiation such that the ADS should be kept away from sensitive preamp signals.
I may order one from Music Direct who have a 60-day-return-if-unsatisfied policy.
My HW 19 actually has a 600 RPM Berger Lahr RSM 50 motor.
Thanks.
The nice thing about VPI is that many models have interchangeable and upgradable parts including the SDS and ADS. I believe there is a new belt drive "speed controller" in the works but we should be patient. I don't feel it's my place to discuss here but there is a good and understandable reason for the delay. Let's give VPI some credit, for a small outfit their production output is amazing.
In the meantime since speed control is in vogue now, below is another currently available option especially if someone is looking at a Sota Cosmos w/Eclipse. From what I understand, speed accuracy will not be an issue on the HW-40. Harry showed me this motor on the test bench and I can assure you that the picture I took does not convey how massive it is. He pulled the top cover off and explained the internal construction of the motor and it was impressive. For those that prefer a conservative rectangular plinth, the HW-40 is a beautiful 'table in person. IMO and for my personal tastes the SOTA "kitchen cabinet" look does not come close (I don't want to upset anyone but the SOTA styling is not for me. TBH the perceived wow in the sound when the suspension is doing it's thing also bothers me). I do love the aesthetic of the HW-40 (although I'd prefer the Uni-Pivot on it though) as well as the very different styling of the Prime Signature and Avenger model line. I told Harry that they were smart to have beautiful models that cater to both design preferences. He smiled.
In the meantime since speed control is in vogue now, below is another currently available option especially if someone is looking at a Sota Cosmos w/Eclipse. From what I understand, speed accuracy will not be an issue on the HW-40. Harry showed me this motor on the test bench and I can assure you that the picture I took does not convey how massive it is. He pulled the top cover off and explained the internal construction of the motor and it was impressive. For those that prefer a conservative rectangular plinth, the HW-40 is a beautiful 'table in person. IMO and for my personal tastes the SOTA "kitchen cabinet" look does not come close (I don't want to upset anyone but the SOTA styling is not for me. TBH the perceived wow in the sound when the suspension is doing it's thing also bothers me). I do love the aesthetic of the HW-40 (although I'd prefer the Uni-Pivot on it though) as well as the very different styling of the Prime Signature and Avenger model line. I told Harry that they were smart to have beautiful models that cater to both design preferences. He smiled.
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dosley01
Active Member
Since my post above, VPI has responded to my email question saying the ADS will work with the HW19 II. I believe, though there is a problem with noise radiation such that the ADS should be kept away from sensitive preamp signals.
I may order one from Music Direct who have a 60-day-return-if-unsatisfied policy.
My HW 19 actually has a 600 RPM Berger Lahr RSM 50 motor.
Thanks.
Wow!!! Never seen a VPI without a Hurst motor. Is that from the factory?
beatcomber
AK Member
That is one of the reasons I elected to purchase the Prime Scout shown a few posts upthread.
Yes, 30+ years ago.
Spe@kerBox
Addicted Member
My scout 1.1 perched above my SX-1250:
