Description
Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE This custom acrylic turntable combines VPI and Michell factory parts with professionally machined custom components to create a one-of-a-kind unit. I built this turntable in 2005. The included images begin with the ‘table fully assembled and progress through the stages of disassembly with the final images showing some of the individual components. Follow the images in reverse order to see the ‘table coming together. The plinth consists of two pieces of 1” thick clear acrylic with polished outer edges. The overall shape was inspired by the VPI HR-X, though this ‘table does not share the HR-X dimensions. Measured at the outer corners, the plinth is 24.5” long x 16.5” wide and it weighs just under 24 lbs. Add about an inch to each dimension to get the footprint with a dust cover (a cover is not included). Make sure you have the needed shelf/rack space. The frosted acrylic platter is the one supplied with the original VPI Aries Scout, which launched in 2001. I purchased the platter, and an upgraded bearing, directly from VPI in July, 2005. I’ve included an image of the receipt with my name and address obscured. The buyer will receive the original, unaltered receipt. The platter is 11 9/16 in diameter, 1 3/8” thick and it weighs 6 lbs. 3 ozs. The bearing housing or sleeve OD is 1. The center weight is a stainless steel VPI HR-X model that I purchased second-hand. It weighs 1 lb. 11 ozs. Also included is an unbranded stainless steel periphery ring weight that weighs 5 lbs. 12 ozs. Note that when you use the periphery weight, you need to give the platter a little push when you start the motor. The belt can’t overcome the inertia of the almost 14 pound platter/periphery weight/center weight combo on its own. The motor is a 600 rpm Hurst AC Synchronous model used on the original Aries Scout. The motor box was custom made. The walls and bottom are ½ “ thick black acrylic. The top was machined from ¾” thick aluminum.. The motor is isolated from the box top by 4 rubber grommets. The motor box is partially filled with nickel-plated lead shot, and the box weighs 7 lbs. The power cord is about 7 feet long and it is an upgrade from the one on the original Scout motor. The motor box does not touch the plinth, so the motor is well isolated. The turntable feet were machined from solid aluminum rod. The feet are 3” in diameter at the top and 3.5” at the bottom. Each foot weighs a little over one pound. Each foot has a small, clear adhesive vinyl “dot” in the center of the top, and the plinth rests on these dots. The feet are not mechanically attached to the plinth, and the dots can be easily removed and replaced with another material if you choose. The armboard is a Michell piece designed for the Gyro and the one that ships with this ‘table provides a Rega geometry. The Gyro armboard can be changed out for another, allowing a range of tonearm options. As shown in the images, the upper plinth has an opening large enough to accept the armboard, so it can be mounted below the level of the plinth if needed. The lower plinth has a smaller opening and the armboard rests on, and bolts to, the lower plinth. The armboard height can be adjusted by placing one or more acrylic “VTA disks” of varying thickness under the armboard. The disks, and the feet, are shown in an included image. The ‘table ships with four disks with these thicknesses: 1/8”, 1/4”, 3/8” and 1/2”. If you need a custom VTA disk, they are quite simple and most plastics fabrication shops should be able to make them. The ‘table will ship with two sets of armboard bolts of different lengths to use with the various VTA disks. This turntable was designed to allow a range of tweaks. The two pieces that make up the plinth are not joined, allowing the addition of a third layer between them. A layer of aluminum, wood or stone can create an entirely different custom look. Just use the existing bottom plinth as the template for a new center layer. If you increase the thickness of the plinth by adding another layer, simply place a separate small plinth under the motor to raise it to the desired height. Because the plinth rests on the feet with no mechanical attachment, the feet can also be easily modified or replaced. Of course a different motor can be installed in the current box – the aluminum top is held in place with four bolts and can be easily removed, as can the motor. I will include set-up instructions. Set-up is extremely easy and intuitive. By way of overview, the feet are placed in their approximate positions based on measurements. The first plinth is set on the feet, and the feet are adjusted as needed. The second plinth is placed on top of the first. The bearing is inserted. The desired VTA disks are placed in the armboard opening and the bolt holes are aligned with those in the lower plinth. Then the armboard is added and bolted in place. The platter is placed on the bearing. Note that lubricant should be applied before the first use. The motor is put in place and plugged in. That’s it for the ‘table itself. You may want to mount your tonearm on the armboard before installing the board on the ‘table. Some experimentation may be required to set the VTA. Finally, a few words about condition: As noted, I built this ‘table in 2005, and when in use it was under a dust cover. It was one of a series of four acrylic ‘tables I created over a couple of years. As this ‘table was in a rotation with others, and given the amount of shelf/rack space it occupies, it has spent most of its life packed away carefully in storage as I did eventually downsize my system. Though always very well treated, this ‘table does have some aesthetic issues. As shown in the images, the acrylic plinth has developed a slight yellow tint that is visible through the polished edges. I did not expose this ‘table to direct sunlight, and I cleaned it with Novus acrylic cleaner and microfiber cloths. I do not know what caused the discoloration. Online research indicates that the tint cannot be removed, however I have not made any efforts or inquiries along those lines. If desired, the plinth could be painted, dyed, or perhaps wrapped. It could also be recreated by a plastics fabrication shop using the existing plinths as templates, allowing you to create your own custom look. The plinth also has a few small marks and some very light surface swirls from dusting. The plinth looks very good when standing in front of this ‘table, especially if the ‘table is placed on a light color shelf. But placed on a dark background with strong light and viewed up close, some imperfections are visible. The top of the motor box shows some areas of slight discoloration when viewed up close in the right light. I’ve included a close-up image of the box top in raking light in an effort to show the condition. I tried some window cleaner and it improved the look, but did not return the top to new condition. Specialty cleaners or treatments may be more effective. The platter also has a few small areas that are very slightly darker than the rest of the frosted finish. The finish itself does not appear to have been affected. The eye picks up these areas when the platter starts to spin. I have not tried to clean these areas. Overall I feel this ‘table has survived in remarkably good condition. It looks great viewed from a few feet away, but on close inspection it’s not perfect. I am offering this turntable at $795 or best offer plus $100 for shipping. Please see the additional shipping details below. This turntable is sold as described and shown in the included images. Please review the images carefully as they are part of the description. No tonearm or dust cover is included, nor is the record album shown in some images. Shipping I am charging a flat fee of $100 for insured shipping anywhere in the continental US. No sales outside the lower 48. If the shipping is more than $100, I will cover that cost. If it is less, I will refund the difference. I will ship via UPS Ground. If UPS goes on strike, I will ship via FedEx Ground or USPS Ground Advantage at the same price. If you purchase this turntable and would like special shipping arrangements, please contact me after the purchase and I will work with you. This turntable will ship in three sturdy boxes weighing between 15 and 25 pounds each. The plinths will be wrapped separately in heavy soft felt shipping blankets and protected by three layers of cardboard on all sides. The motor, platter, peripheral weight, feet, and other components will be individually wrapped and double boxed. I will send you a photo of the shipping receipt with the tracking number. I will ship within 3 business days following eBay’s confirmation of receipt of your payment. Note that eBay will add sales tax where required by law. Bidding If you have less than 10 total feedbacks or any negative feedback or any prior issues involving non-payment, I reserve the right to cancel your bid or purchase. Payment I only accept eBay Managed Payments which includes Paypal. Payment must be received within three (3) business days after the listing ends. Returns I offer 30 day returns if not as described. Buyer pays return shipping. I must receive the item in the same condition as when I shipped it to you. The images show the actual item you will receive. Please review them closely as they are part of the description. Questions Please message me with any questions.
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