[high figh]

Hello,
Recently treated myself to a new turntable, well new to me. A VPI HW-19 junior. While a big upgrade from my Music hall, I know that it's a table that needs upgrading. It is basically stock with what looks like a Rega arm and a Grado cart. I want to upgrade one step at a time as finances permit. Any suggestions, tips or tweeks would be appreciated. I'm learning about the table as I go along. I want to go after the cartridge and some spikes first. Anyone with used parts would be a bonus.

Thanks,
Herb.

[mick wolfe]

Herb,
            I have 3 arm boards from an HW 19( not a JR.) I had yrs. ago. One clear acrylic, one black acrylic and a black MDF. Unfortunately they've all been pre-drilled to accept an unknown arm. ( they were part of the package when I bought the table from the previous owner) I think you could easily use the opposite end of the arm board to the drill and mount the arm of your choice. Then of course you could cover the old pre drilled area with a "blank" of acrylic or whatever. PM me if interested.

[steve k]

Recently treated myself to a new turntable, well new to me. A VPI HW-19 junior. While a big upgrade from my Music hall, I know that it's a table that needs upgrading. It is basically stock with what looks like a Rega arm and a Grado cart. I want to upgrade one step at a time as finances permit. Any suggestions, tips or tweeks would be appreciated. I'm learning about the table as I go along. I want to go after the cartridge and some spikes first. Anyone with used parts would be a bonus.

Some ideas not necessarily in order are:
-upgrade to a heavier platter, MKIV or TNT
-standalone motor (SAMA)
-VPI SDS motor controller
-If you have a Rega RB-250 or 251 arm, upgrade it to an Audiomods Series V arm www.audiomods.co.uk--this is a tremendous upgrade worth every penny
-If you can find a MK III or better plinth, it has a removable armboard.
Herbie's has spikes that will fit the stock threads.

Did I miss anything Sturg?

Enjoy,
Steve

[Blackmore]

Herb,
SteveK is right on the money about all these upgrades.  The real point is that you have a great table that can be enjoyed for a long, long time.  I really like Steve's Audiomods arm (I should; I sold it to him) and he has had it upgraded a few times.  Nice score on the VPI and have fun spinning some vinyl.

[Batsong]

The upgrades my HW-19 responded to most were the stand alone motor assembly and believe it or not: a clamp upgrade.  I bought the stainless/Delrin clamp.  Though the VPI and Rega are a good combo, never had luck with a Grado cart.  Best performance I had was from the Dynavectors.

[roscoeiii]

Herb,

Shoot me a PM if interested in an Audiomods arm. I have one that I haven't gotten around to selling. Series IV with a micrometer and silver wiring.

[mick wolfe]

Herb,
            I have 3 arm boards from an HW 19( not a JR.) I had yrs. ago. One clear acrylic, one black acrylic and a black MDF. Unfortunately they've all been pre-drilled to accept an unknown arm. ( they were part of the package when I bought the table from the previous owner) I think you could easily use the opposite end of the arm board to the drill and mount the arm of your choice. Then of course you could cover the old pre drilled area with a "blank" of acrylic or whatever. PM me if interested.

BTW, these are free to anyone who might be interested.

[high figh]

Hello,
Thanks to everyone for all the replies. I definitely have to do a cartridge first. Apparently the grado carts are a common problem for this turntable as they pick up the motor noise because the cartridge is not shielded,( just what I've read on the intrawebs ). I definitely hear it. Anyway, can I use a MC high output cartridge on a early 70's system without a phono preamp? I want to do the SAMA as soon as money allows. Has anyone heard of, or done a diy SAMA job. I heard whispers of this being possible but cant find much info. Thanks again everyone. Play it loud and don't forget the record collectors show this Sunday.
Herb.

[sturgus]

I think Steve is spot on in terms of the upgrades. I don't think Herbie's has the cones anymore, but you can get nice ones from  Parts express. I have a set of old Tone Cones  you can have if you come pick them up. If you are handy I have a motor pod that you can  play around with. You can mount your VPI motor in it. I was making a SAMA  but got a good deal on used one so that project sets on the shelf. As far as cartridges go what were looking to spend? The AT 440 is very nice and you can get  one for around $200 or less. I think LP gear is selling the AT OC9 II for around $ 340, very good buy if you can use MC. Another favorite of mine and other Audiomods user is  the SAE-1000 E that you can still get for
$250. It is a HOMC  and sounds very nice with the Rega arm.  To sum it up I have some cones  and a motor pod you can have. I may have some other stuff laying around just have to go through some  stuff. Just let me know.  Mike I  may be able to use those armboards.
Sturgus

[high figh]

Sturgus, PM sent.