AudiogoN Forums: Looking for guidance with older VPI HW-19 tables

Looking for guidance with older VPI HW-19 tables

I'm looking for a table without a tonearm. I'll be mounting a Hadcock GH 228.

I'm not married to the idea of a VPI HW-19, but they're common in the classifieds and seem to offer a good bang for the buck. However, I'm not familiar with all the variations: Mk i, ii, iv, etc. Are there particular models or upgrades I should look for? Any guidance would be appreciated.

I don't think the HW-19 series is being supported by VPI anymore, which brings up the question whether parts (like the bearing) will eventually become unavailable.

And speaking of bearings... how do you determine if it's good? Buying a used table is like buying a used car. There might be problems lurking under the hood. Do you have any suggestions on how to flesh this out before hand?

Many thanks!

Mingles (System | Threads | Answers | This Thread)

01-02-09

Responses (1-23 of 23)

Click title to read one, or click date to read all below it.

01-02-09 My advice is to search for an un-sprung table.my friend had ... Tpsonic

01-02-09 any specific suggestions?? Mingles

01-02-09 You do not have to use the springs that come with the mkiii ... Mofimadness

01-03-09 I have a mk ii 1/2 (i'll explain) which i'm looking to sell. ... Mred

01-03-09 Also try and get one with the lead platter (old tnt platter) ... Johnjc

01-03-09 I disagree about buying an unsprung table. in my experience, ... Frogman

01-03-09 Mingles,please keep us informed as to your progress in this ... Tpsonic

01-03-09 If you're seeking a vpi hw-19 without being previously drill ... Markd51

01-04-09 If possible, try to buy the hw-19 mk 4, which was the last i ... Sdcampbell

01-05-09 I really appreciate everyone's response. i'm still in explor ... Mingles

01-05-09 Mingles, finding a table used such as the hw-19 mk-iv used w ... Markd51

01-08-09 If you had a choice to mount a hadcock gh228 on a vpi hw-19 ... Mingles

01-10-09 Tough to say? the vpi hw-19 series (although i own one) is ... Markd51

01-10-09 The hw19, while an aesthetically "dated" design, i ... Frogman

01-11-09 Mark and frogman, thank you for the detailed info! i really ... Mingles

01-12-09 All bias aside, i like the way the hw19 looks. the platter o ... Frogman

02-09-09 This is all good advice and as a current hw19jr owner, i org ... Whyt_rabbit

02-09-09 This is a great discussion about a fine table. vpi's harry w ... Onetwothreego

02-09-09 Rabbit, basically nobody out there in audio-land is doing an ... Markd51

12-05-09 I just made some 1 inch think armboards from michigan hard m ... Supradupe

12-28-09 What modifications/parts are required to take a stock mkiii ... Jemm

12-30-09: Gerardff
I recently picked up a HW19 Mk3 for a aux. system. I was really suprised by how good it sounds. Why look for one if this is your feeling, "I'm not married to the idea of a VPI HW-19." Does that mean your open to others or your only considering it since it's affordable and available?
Parts are still available from VPI, maybe not the armboard, or plinth, or sub chassis but the bearing is since it was used on many other older models. I had an armboard made up by someone on A-gon but they can be had used as well. You can also put the newer bearing on there with the newer acrylic platter. My friend did this and it's a great sounding deck.
I think for the price it's really the way to go. If you plan on buying used lp's it's a great match especially with a Rega arm.
Gerardff (Threads | Answers | This Thread)

01-03-10 Gerardff, thanks for your encouragement, but i'm not looking ... Mingles