Found VPI HW-19 MKIII, Should I get it?

mikaronni · « **on:** 7 Dec 2008, 03:10 am »

Hi,
First time posting on audiocircle. Recently, I've been saving money and trading in my CD's for records. I wanted to wait and just get a really good starting table. Right now I don't have that much money, but I may be willing to dip into my funds early. I found a local seller who is selling a VPI HW-19 with a cartridge for $300. He also states that it has recently been serviced. Is this a good deal? It is cheaper than a technics.

ecramer · « **Reply #1 on:** 7 Dec 2008, 04:29 am »

Run don't walk with your money over there. I wont get in any arguments over whats a better tt the Direct drive or the vpi but for that money its a steal.

Ed

mikaronni · « **Reply #2 on:** 7 Dec 2008, 04:46 am »

I guess I shall run. I have already contacted him for more information about the table concerning it's shape and what exactly is included. This is a bit overwhelming to start my vinyl years earlier than I thought, but I certainly am excited.

mikaronni · « **Reply #3 on:** 8 Dec 2008, 01:04 am »

So I just received some pictures. The tonearm is a Linn systemdeck and the cartridge is an M1 with 700 hours.

What do you guys think? It should be perfectly functional and it just seems to need a good dusting. There are quite a few scratches on the wood.

chriss · « **Reply #4 on:** 8 Dec 2008, 01:43 am »

Hi,
That is not an MK III that is a 19 jr. That being said it is still a good buy at 300.00. Even if you replace the cart it is still a good deal.
chris

mikaronni · « **Reply #5 on:** 8 Dec 2008, 04:43 am »

I emailed him about the mis-naming, but he states it is came out before the JR designation. He describes the turntable as "This has the heavy motor (which can be upgraded even heavier), and is a separate floating plinth. The plinth rests on foam pads rather than springs." I'm not sure if i should bite or not.

PMAT · « **Reply #6 on:** 8 Dec 2008, 05:58 am »

I went to the guys house today and the TT was certainly rough. I passed on it at his $275. The motor has been raised up for some reason. The guy was not straight forward with me and I had a bad feeling about it. Everything in his house was trashed so I figured the deal was too good. He knows a lot about gear so why is it priced so low? HMMMM! First he said it was 6 years old, then 10, then maybe more. The pic shows the motor cover on, but it rubs on the platter. He said it needs some washers. Oh, and its filthy.

mikaronni · « **Reply #7 on:** 9 Dec 2008, 12:22 am »

Well thank you for the notice PMAT. I guess a turntable can wait in the future. It's nice that you went to his house before I did. I was planning on visiting all the way from the south bay. A four hour drive to and from would not have been fun.