If possible, try to buy the HW-19 Mk 4, which was the last incarnation of the TT. It has an improved bearing and platter, and also allows for further upgrade to several of the earlier TNT platters. I have owned the HW-19 TT for nearly 20 years, and have continually upgraded it by: 1. getting better tonearms (I finally settled on the Rega RB-900, which I modified as well); 2. upgrading to a TNT platter; 3. removing the original plinthe suspension springs and replacing them with the Sorbothane pucks; 4. adding the SAMA. Each of these upgrades made audible improvements to the overall sound quality of my LP's. I also made a home-built TT platform filled with 40 pounds of lead/sand mix, which provided a subtle but helpful improvement to reducing vibration feedback. Several years ago I was considering selling my HW-19 on consignment thru a local high-end dealer, and then replacing it with the VPI Scoutmaster with JMW-19 arm. Interestingly, the dealer actually talked me out of this, saying that the HW-19 Mk4 -- as I had modified it -- was at least the equal of the newer Scoutmaster (in sound quality, although not necessarily in appearance). I subsequently took my HW-19 to his store and did some A/B comparisons against the Scoutmaster and a Nottingham Space Deck, and his judgment proved correct -- my HW-19 stacked up very well. So, until such time as I have a LOT of spare income, I'm quite content to live with my HW-19 Mk4. The one precaution I have is to provide regular maintenance to the HW-19's thrust bearing and well. If you use your TT a lot, then I suggest you replace the bearing grease/oil every 6 months or so. With moderate use of the TT, then annual maintenance should be sufficient.
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!
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!