2. analog
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VPI HW-19 Upgrade question SAMA or SDS?

OK, the upgrade bug has bitten again, and I know that ther are a number of folks here that have lots of experience with their HW-19.

I have a VPI HW-19 Mk III that I recently upgraded to a Mk IV with a TNT platter with an inverted bearing. Also, it has a sorbathane puck suspension rather than springs, and I've replaced the rubber feet with cone type spikes. The table dead level sitting on top of a 1-1/2"-inch thick maple top shelf of a very heavy flexi-rack. I'm using an ET-2 arm connected to my shop compressor with four stages of precision air-regulation with the final stage adjustable just before at the entering the ET-2. I just air-up the compressor's 30 gallon tank, then kill the compressor so that it won't start back up, and I can listen for hours (wife think that I've lost my mind every time that I do this, but that's another story). Also, I'm currently listening to an AT33PTG that I have come to really like. The phono section is a Threshold SL-10 upgraded with Black Gates throughout.

The Mk IV upgrade made a real difference from the Mk III. As I quickly found out, the Mk IV presents a fuller soundstage and better base than the Mk III platter/bearing. I view that upgrade as well worth the money, especially buying it used here on A'gon.

Here is my dilemma with funds being limited to purchase only one or the other at this time, but not both - at least for now.

What do you think would be the best upgrade for this HW-19? A new SAMA for $400, or a used SDS for $600 to $800? Used SAMAs never seem to come up for sale, but you can always find a used SDS on Audiogon. I think that there are at least three available for sale here as I write this.

Also, if someone thinks neither mentioned upgrade would be cost effective, and that money would be better spent with an upgrade elsewhere, please say so. I'm trying to keep my mind and ears open - for better sound!

Thank you!
forrestc

Showing 5 responses by emorrisiv

emorrisiv
313 posts
 
Thanks Ferrari. Right now the SDS is out of the question unless I can build one.
btw which SDS? I assume the newer version is nicer, but will you get the same results for the older and much cheaper version.Recession think has taken hold of my brain and my wallet.
However, this has led me down a DIY road that has been more enjoyable than any of the purchases I have made in the past.

Analog is definitely my bag.

e
emorrisiv
313 posts
 
Correct me if I am wrong, but the SDS controls speed by regulating the power being fed to the motor,thereby not only controlling the speed but preventing voltage fluxuation causing speed differential.
Assuming that this is correct,don't both the new and older version accomplish this? One has a digital readout(newer should be cheaper but isn't) the other is analog (older version).
Frogman, how did it cause a problem?

If what I think is correct,this thing is nothing more than a voltage regulator.Sounds like a DIY project.

After all VPI wants close to $1000.00 for the new version.Out of my recession league.

thanks guys

e
emorrisiv
313 posts
 
I have a HMW19 jr with the sorbothane pucks. I have been experimenting with the suspension (of which there is very little)by putting hardened steel cam follower shims from my old Suzuki 750 on top of the sorbothane.The shims are VERY hard and seems to give the jr. slightly faster attack while still allowing the suspension to work. A very easy and free tweek. I would think that 50cent pieces would work as well, but that would cost $2.00,,,lol.
I plan on building a DIY SAMA. Anyone else done this? I would think it would be a fairly easy project. I think the main obstacle is giving the motor assy. sufficient mass to not move around on the base (in this case a very big and thick butcher block).
I was considering using a large PVC pipe with a threaded cap on the bottom for height adjustment with a big chunk of lead inside or perhaps lead shot.

comments and suggestions welcomed.

e
emorrisiv
313 posts
 
I got the "black" belt recently and I experienced the same thing concerning "PRAT".

I have been curious about the silk thread.Is there any problem with the motor pulley shape with a thread? Does it give it more PRAT?
emorrisiv
313 posts
 
What kind of thread do you use? Silk? About how long does it need to be? I need to try this.

e
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