Ask them if they ever lubed the motor and platter bearings. One nice aspect: if you shop around, there are numerous HW-19 upgrades that can be performed at your leisure ie: SDS, SAMA, Scout platter and inverted bearing, etc). If you have trouble getting in touch with VPI, these guys are knowledgeable regarding their parts prices and availability: https://elusivedisc.com/search?search_query=vpi
VPI HW-19 or VPI Traveler
I am looking at either an HW-19 w/ Rega RB300 tone arm or a new VPI Traveler. Both are 1K and the HW-19 is in new condition. What is the better turntable?
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Make sure it’s really a HW-19. Many HW-19 Jr’s were shipped with labels on the plinth that state HW-19. The Jr. is not nearly as good as a true HW-19. HW-19 has separate arm board and black acrylic/lead platter and much better bearing. Nice table which you can upgrade to MK 4 status and take it very close to TNT sound quality. Good luck. |
The 19 Jr. has a full size arm board made from partial board and has Sorbothane pucks as the suspension.
With the HW-19 MKIII, the sub chassis changes from one inch thick MDF to a non-magnetic, 10 gauge, stainless steel sheet laminated to a 1/2" shiny black acrylic top plate and tonearm board with a spring suspension and a cork covered bottom platter, with lead inserts. The tonearm board is removable for easy arm changes, but is fastened to the steel sheet also. I have had both and like the JR. with a MKIII platter and the Sorbothane pucks replaced with Herbies Tall Tenderfeet better. |
I’ve been using the HW-19 MK3 for 25 years. The only part I replaced is the Hurst motor that is still available ($90) from Hurst. I doubt you will find a better table for a grand. If that table was still being made it would be in the $3000+ range. BTW, I use mine with a SME 309 arm so I can’t comment on the Rega arm! https://www.vpiindustries.com/hw-19-mkiii |
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