VPI HW-19 Vintage Turntable with Eminent Technology Arm and Hana EH Cartridge

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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 light oak plinth has aged to a beautiful patina and it presents very well for its age. 

The arm fitted is an Eminent Technology Tonearm 2 (ET2). The ET2 is a super robust, reliable, and capable tangential affair that's powered by a super quiet air pump. The 'table is actually very simple to setup, adjust, and use. Built like a tank and well supported and well regarded in the industry. Much simpler in design and execution than many of the electronic tangential arms that end up failing over time.

The plinth is made of solid American hardwood and has aged to a nice vintage patina. A custom RCA tonearm junction box is also fitted that allows you to use your favorite cables.

When you pick up this 'table you'll realize the sort of quality and parts selection that goes into it, as it weighs close to 50 lbs!

Mounted and calibrated using our 12-step in-house process is a brand new Hana EH high-output MC (Moving-Coil) cartridge ($475). It delivers great performance and is compatible with MM (Moving-Magnet) phono stages. 

This turntable will come with its acrylic dust cover, cartridge, and upgraded air pump with a 3 meter length hose allowing for remote placement. 

While the 'table will come fully setup and calibrated, the new owner will need to level the table and make slight adjustments to level the tonearm for proper operation. Not intended for first time turntable owners as this is a bit more involved. 

SkyFi Cosmetic Notes:
Some marks present on the acrylic dust cover. Some hairline scratches on the glossy turntable top. Overall it presents very well.

SkyFi Technical Notes:
Installed a new belt, a new lifter assembly, replaced cables with a new RCA mounting plate which allows you to use any RCA cables. Include a 1 meter set of AudioQuest Red River cables.

Installed a new air hose in a 3 meter length which allows remote mounting of the air pump. Installed a new Alita air pump which is super quiet. Installed and calibrated new Hana EH (SKU: 105122).

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:
Second Owner

Connections:
RCA, Air pump connection, ground

General Sound:
Big beautiful musical sound with little fatigue.

Cosmetic Condition:
6/10 = Fair. Three to four minor scratches, or one major scratch. See our detailed rating description here.

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

Included:
Exactly as pictured and described above.

Packing:
Will be packed using our highly developed in-house process and custom packing materials.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:
50 lbs.

Approximate Age:
1985

Recommended Cables:
Kimber Kable - Phono Interconnects

Kimber Kable - Flagship Phono Interconnects

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.