2. analog
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RIP VPI TNT

When I looked at the new VPI web site I was surprised to see two new tables, the Scout 2 and the Classic. I suppose I am too small a dealer to hear about these things in advance. I also did not see any mention of the TNT 6. An email to VPI has confirmed that , after 25 years, the TNT has been discontinued. The immediate cause was the cost and quality of presently available acrylic. I had a MK 1 TNT from shortly after it came out until last fall so I am a little sad. The next thought I had was the 12.7 arm. Apparently the only VPI table now available to take it is the HRX as the Aries extended has been out of the catalogue for some time. This seems unlikely to be a permanent state , $12000 seems to be a high entry point for a $3000 arm. But for the present , if you always wanted a TNT now is the time to see if your dealer has any left. [not me, this is a public service announcement, not a commercial.]
128x128stanwal

Showing 1 response by markd51

markd51
761 posts
 
I wonder if the statement of "the quality of presently available acrylic", is accurate, meaning that VPI was having problems with thier acrylic suppliers? I'd assume they certainly know more than I, being in the business this many years.

I could imagine, that there could be these anomalies, in that VPI would go through all the machining-fabrication work of an Acrylic Plinth, peel the paper, find defects like bumps, and pock marks, and the piece then has to be rejected due to cosmetic flaws.

Doesn't Tables like the Aries 3, and SSM still use Acrylic Sheet? If so, then maybe these as well will fall by the wayside soon?

I'm curious then, will that mean, that all we will perhaps see in the future from VPI, will be laminated MDF, (and/or wood) akin to a VPI 16.5 RCM, due to ease, and lesser cost of manufacture? Mark

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