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Question for VPI Rim Drive Owners

I recently acquired a VPI Dual Motor Rim Drive at a great price from a friend and got the Super Scoutmaster Chassis from VPI. I have now converted my Scoutmaster to a Super Scoutmaster.

The Rim Drive does have the rubber footers and the latest belts. So far, I have noticed no rocking of the tonearm that seemed to have plagued some users. I may at some point try the Bearclaws that people have been raving about.

I have the SDS and have dialed in the right speed with the KAB strobe. One odd thing that keeps happening is that when I check the speed each day, it seems to vary slightly so I have to slightly adjust the SDS. Has anyone else experienced this? Does the Rim Drive need to run in or warm up?

Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks

Tom
tnewell1
hiendmuse
257 posts
 
Buconero, I strongly disagree. The rimdrive made a considerable improvement in pace, rhythm, and drive in my SuperScoutmaster, as well as better bass response and more solid soundstage. It has to be set up properly. Sounds like you may have had the rimdrive too tight against the platter. My rimdrive is noiseless, vibration-free, and stays put, especially with the Symposium Acoustics round precision couplers under the SAMA instead of the rubber feet.
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,370 posts
 
Once I got my rim drive set up, I never had to change it. I thought it a big improvement over the belt..although I did have the rocking of the tonearm which was completely eliminated with the Bearpaws. Bearpaws also made it much more open, quick, and solid in the bass...for me, Bearpaws was a necessity. Regarding the Classic platter...I thought the Superplatter was better...at least in MY system. ..more solid and extended in the bass, more open mids, but a little softer( but not "wrong" ) in the highs
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,370 posts
 
Tom....I just read your system..... The Ginko platform absolutely ruined the sound of my VPI. I strongly suggest you get it off the platform and listen to it without it and see if indeed your turntable needs it. All VPI's I've had experience with needs a SOLID support to the center of the earth. If you have rubber feet, or VPI's minifeet (which are flexable) try it off of them.
tnewell1 OP
10 posts
 
I have removed the Gingko from the system as the SSM was too big for it. I have the SSM set up on 3" thick maple platform with threaded cones under platform.

I am still having some issues with speed fluctuations. I listened to the system for about 6 hours today checking the speed every couple of hours with the KAB strobe disc. For most of the day it stayed rock solid. I checked it again late in the day and the platter speed had slightly increased. So I dialed down the SDS a little bit more. The SDS is set at 59.50 for 33RPM and 80.5 for 45 RPM.

I am wondering if I should reset the default voltage on my SDS? It's set at 84 for 33RPM and 114 for 45RPM.

Tom
gpgr4blu
1,078 posts
 
I check and adjust VIP rim drive from time to time. Changes in weather, humidity, drive belts, lubrication, etc can impact speed. I check and adjust about every 3 to 4 months.
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