I have an HW19, though not sure which version. I upgraded it from the original model I bought in the 80's. It has the SAMA, thick arm board, acrylic plinth, and thick black platter (not the acrylic/aluminum one that I think would make it a iv). About 15 years ago I replaced the springs with sorbothane pucks (remove the metal rings) and got a slight improvement, the music being a little less laid back. The change required no shimming of any kind as the height of of the plinth was perfect. I have about 8 pair of these pucks and use them on everything. Walker uses sorbothane to isolate his turntable platform so the stuff is still available in some form, if not the pucks.
upgrade VPI HW19 Mk IV or get a new table?
There was a discussion recently on upgrading the VPI HW19 TT recently, but I can't find it-I have a HW19 MKIV with a TNT platter and a SAMA. I am using an SME 4 arm and a Koetsu Urishi blue cartridge. Should I spring for a new "super platter" or other upgrades for the MKIV or keep the SME and Koetsu and go for a new tt? I don't think a JM arm will fit on the HW19, and I'm not sure it would buy me an improvement over the SME. Are the newer VPI's that much better than the HW19? What think you all?