VPI HW-19 Junior Turntable - AudioQuest PT-6 Tonearm - New Ortofon 2M Black - MINTY!

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General:
Super simple yet great sounding table from VPI. Old enough to look vintage, yet new enough to be a great performer. Its walnut plinth has aged to a beautiful patina and it presents very well for its age. Likely the cleanest example of this model you'll find.  

The tonearm mounted is an AudioQuest PT-6. This is a simple but well manufactured arm. The PT-6 is made in Japan and it also utilizes fluid damping for even greater performance.

Mounted and calibrated using our 12 Step Premium Turntable/Cartridge Calibration process ($390) is a brand new Ortofon 2M Black phono cartridge ($749.99). It delivers great performance and since it's MM (Moving-Magnet), it's compatible with just about any phono stage. 

Included with the 'table is the original manual and box. A rare addition.

SkyFi Cosmetic Notes:
There is a light scratch on the right side of the plinth, otherwise this table presents extremely well.

SkyFi Technical Notes:
This table is equipped with an AudioQuest PT-6 tonearm. The arm is wired with a Straight Wire tonearm cable.

Brand Background:
VPI Industries is a family owned, high-end audio manufacturer that has been in business for over 35 years. Although best known for their high-end turntables, VPI have recently introduced the Player and Clifford models which offer similar performance at an approachable price. Their VPI Record Cleaning Machines (RCMs) are the industry standard for collectors and record shops alike. VPI components are designed and built in Cliffwood, New Jersey.

Ownership:
Single Owner

Connections:
Captive power cord, Captive RCA power output.

General Sound:
Smooth, uncolored, undistorted natural and clean

Cosmetic Condition:
8/10 = Very Good. Excellent front faceplate, one minor flaw on chassis side or top. See our detailed rating description here.

Working Condition:
Working perfectly and calibrated on our custom turntable calibration stand.

Included:
Unit and box

Packing:
Original Manufacturers Packing

Specs:
Type:
Belt-drive turntable

Motor:
Synchronous, "instrument quality, medium-differential" AC motor.

Speeds:
33 and 45 RPM

Speed Accuracy:
0.01%

Wow & Flutter:
0.04%

Platter:
Lead-filled, black acrylic.

Plinth:
Typically walnut, oak available.

Suspension: 
Four-point spring suspension with a damped subchassis.

Dimensions:
21.25" W by 17.5" D by 7.25" H

Weight:
35 lbs.

Approximate Age:
1985

Testing Process:
First we try to identify any mechanical issues, particularly in the tonearm bearings. We check for freedom of movement or any resistance on both the horizontal and vertical range. There is a quick test for this which involves placing the table on its front edge and allowing the arm to swing freely like a pendulum. We then make any adjustments necessary to achieve minimal resistance and sometimes adjust the bearing pressure. On gimbal tonearms we inspect the cone tip with a magnifier.

We then assess the platter speed using one of several methods, the most accurate being playing a test tone on a test record and measuring the frequency output with a frequency counter or oscilloscope. We also utilize test equipment to measure the wow and flutter to ensure it is within spec. We do this for all speeds available for that particular model (33 RPM, 45 RPM, 78 RPM).

Adjustments are then made to achieve proper speed which will vary depending on the turntable's drive design. Some require an adjustment of an internal or external potentiometer, some will require a pulley or motor adjustment. We also inspect the platter bearing to ensure it is properly lubricated, keeping in mind that some bearings don't require lubrication at all

We then inspect the power supply and address any issues with overworked capacitors, particularly on Linn and later Thorens machines which tend to need attention.

On fully mechanical vintage tables like the Thorens TD-124 and Garrard 301/401 we will go thought the entire mechanism. Then replace any worn parts and lubricate all components necessary to ensure smooth operation, speed change, and low mechanical noise. 

When fitting a new phono cartridge we will go through our detailed calibration process which can involve as many as 12 steps depending on the tonearm design. We perform this work on our custom turntable calibration rig which was developed in-house.

Some of these steps include:
• Pivot to Spindle Adjustment
• Tracking Force
• Anti-Skate
• Tonearm Height
• Lifter Height
• VTA (Vertical Tracking Angle)
• Azimuth
• Stylus Distance and Overhang

We then do a critical listening test using our test records and our test system to ensure proper sonics.