VPI FAQ's - a page that will continually expand with answers!
Q: I'm having trouble explaining a part to my dealer. How can I describe it better?
A: Check out our turntable anatomy to help you with your turntable!
Q: When adjusting my tonearm I think I broke the knob finger grabber adjuster. How do I fix it or can I purchase a new one?
A: The what?
Q: Can you explain your product line at a quick glance?
A: We have made the line very simple with the idea of “good, better, best” in mind across the whole line. All products are consistent and locked in to be in the line without any changes!!!)
Entry Level
Cliffwood
Player
Production
Scout 21 (good)
Prime 21 (better)
Signature 21 (best)
Reference
Avenger (good)
Avenger Plus (better)
Avenger Reference (best)
Direct Drive
HW-40 - If you don't need more than one arm and want a traditional looking super turntable
Avenger Direct - The greatest table we make
Titan - You want your friends to know you have the greatest table
Titan Direct - The greatest table we make at "cost no object"
Q: Will the VPI 3D printed tonearm work with my Classic 1 (or 2)
A: Yes, it actually is an easy drop in but you have to adjust the female bearing using a 1/8” Allen wrench. You can raise and lower the female bearing until it sits properly. You can also use this female bearing as another way to adjust VTA but we don’t recommend it.
A Continued: You can also order and change your bearing to one that does not have the oil bath well, both options work just fine for the JMW 3D arm.
Q: Why do you use a vinyl wrap on your chassis rather than real wood?
A: We have tried real wood many times but it never measures consistently, it doesn’t sound as good, and it would cause a major increase in the price. The vinyl wrap/composite material chassis sounds better, is more cost effective, is temperature tested (no unexpected warps), and is more durable. We have done a wood veneer on the Classic(s), and will be doing a rosewood veneer on the Prime Signature. Also despite the initial hesitation, the vinyl wrap wood finishes have really taken off and look great in person. Often people who visit the factory and do not know it isn’t real wood are blown away when we tell them it is a vinyl wrap.
Q: What happened to the Nomad?
A: The Nomad V1 turned into the Nomad V2. Why? Because of both supplier problems and customer feedback to improve the Nomad experience. Nomad V2 turned into the Player. Why? Because one of our dealers royally screwed up, didn't realize they had an overstock of V1 and flooded them into the market while we were trying to re-launch V2. Everyone gets confused, cats and dogs, mass hysteria. From there we solidified the marketing and branding of the table as the Player. We released the Player in finishes the Nomad V2 were never made in so there was no confusion at all. This was all done to steady the boat and remove any confusion. The Player has been selling very well since with one critique from the consumer and dealership...
Q: Can VPI release a version of the Player without any electronics?
A: Let me introduce you to the Cliffwood!
WHERE CAN I PURCHASE VPI PRODUCTS?
Customers can purchase VPI products from their local VPI dealer (you can find your local dealer on our US Dealers Page) or any online VPI Dealer.
HOW DO I SEND IN MY VPI TURNTABLE FOR REPAIRS?
To make an appointment to have your table repaired by VPI you first need to send us over an email at info@vpiindustries.com.
You will need to have your tables model, serial number, proof or purchase, and a quick diagnosis of your problem. It is highly appreciated to also send a few pictures or a video of your issue so we can diagnose the problem faster.
WHICH TYPE OF LUBRICANT SHOULD I USE ON MY VPI TURNTABLE?
We offer a proprietary super magic grease which can be used to lubricate our turntables. You are also able to use synthetic 40 weight motor oil to lubricate our turntables.
HOW DO I LUBRICATE MY VPI TURNTABLE?
Mat actually has a fantastic video on how to lubricate our turntables on our youtube page.
To lubricate the platter you can drop a small dab of our super magic lube right on top of the male bearing. If you use the 40 weight synthetic oil it would be best to drop 3-5 drops of synthetic oil into the female bearing inside of the platter and then place the platter back onto the male bearing.
To lubricate the motor you must first remove the belt. Then you can place two drops of lubricant down the center hole of the pulley. Next let the pulley run for a some time to allow the lubricant to settle into the pulley and motor shaft.
An advanced step you can do to lubricate the motor spindle is to loosen the three set screws on the pulley to remove it. If the pulley is resisting and it's not pulley upwards you can place a paper towel on the side of the motor and use a flat head screw driver to push the pulley upwards to remove it. Once the pulley is of you may then add two drops of magic lube or three to four drops of the 40 weight motor oil onto the motor spindle and then place the pulley back on. When re-tightening the pulley make sure to evenly tighten the set screws back on the pulley to make sure that the pulley is properly calibrated.
We also have a PDF guide on how to do this which you can download below:
MY BELT HAS BECOME LOOSE AND SLIPS WHEN STARTING UP OR TURNING OFF THE TABLE WHAT SHOULD I DO?
If your belt has loosen and is no longer able to hold onto the platter and slips when starting or stopping the turntable you can do the following for a quick fix.
Placing the belt inside of a small vacuum seal bag with talcum powder and letting it rest will tighten the belt back up giving it a better grip on the platter. This however is not a permanent fix and you should purchase a new belt as soon as possible.
WHAT SIZE IS THE ALLEN KEY FOR THE SET SCREWS ON A VPI TURNTABLE?
There are two major sizes that we use on all set screws for a VPI turntable. One of them is 1/16" and the other is 5/64". The major exception to this is the female bearing, which may take a 1/8," or 5/32" depending on the tonearm.
MY MOTOR IS MAKING NOISE, WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT THIS?
If your motor is making a noise it is very likely that the pulley's set screws have came loose and the pulley is wobbling on the motor spindle.
First thing to check is the clearance between the black motor plate that motor shaft comes out through, the pulley should absolutely NOT be touching this plate. This signifies that the set screws for the pulley have loosen the pulley has slid down and when the motor is turned on the pulley is rubbing and bouncing off that plate making a noise.
Second thing to check is if the pulley has upward and downward play on the motor shaft. If the pulley has play on the motor shaft then once again the set screws on the pulley have gotten loose and now when the motor is turned on the pulley is sliding up and down the shaft making a noise.
Third thing to check is to see if the pulley is correctly calibrated to not have any side to side difference. This normally requires a tool, but it can also be identified by removing the belt from the pulley and turning the motor on. If when the pulley spins it is not a symmetrical rotation and the pulley seems to wobble towards one side or the other than the pulley needs to be re-calibrated using a dial indicator.
MY CUEING MECHANISM DROPS TOO FAST WHAT SHOULD I DO?
If your cueing mechanism is dropping too fast it will unfortunately need to be replaced. There is no fix that can be done on a cueing mechanism regarding this issue. The most common reason for this issue is because when a height adjustment is made to the cueing mechanism when the set screw is locked back into place most people tend to tighten the set screw too much and damage the outer wall of the cueing mechanism. If the outer wall of the cueing mechanism is damaged it is extremely likely that the internal mechanism of the cuing mechanism is also damaged.
WHAT IS VPI'S RETURN POLICY?
United States & Canada Customers ONLY
(For all other Countries, please consult with your retailer or local distributor for terms and conditions for returns.)
• Items can be returned within 30 days of the delivery date and will be refunded only to the original form of payment. If you wish to return an item, please reach out to us at info@vpiindustries.com first before mailing the item back to us.
• VPI is not responsible for items shipped back without an RMA form or other proper paperwork.
• Customers MUST send in their item(s) listed in the RMA first before a replacement part(s) are shipped. VPI reserves the right to make a discretionary acceptation.
• Acceptable Returns are items that are in new condition and in the original packaging.
• Customers have up to 72-hours after receiving their product to report any cosmetic or physical defects.
• We do not accept ANY returns that are second hand purchased by Non-Certified VPI Dealership or from ANY online resellers such as: eBay, Amazon, Audiogon, or any other not listed here.
• All Used Turntables sold on our site are non-returntable/non-refundable.
• Return shipping is paid for by the customer.
• Custom items are non-cancellable and non-refundable.
• VPI reserves the right to apply a 15% restocking fee on returned items.
• Items returned after 30 days but within 60 days can be returned for store credit with a 15% restocking fee.
FULL WARRANTY AND RETURN INFORMATION HERE
Make sure to check back from time to time to find more answers to more FAQ's!