I bought a periphery ring from Music Direct back in January 2020 and when it arrived I noticed dozens of small dings around the inner lip of the ring (see attached pics below). They’re practically impossible to feel and there were so many that I assumed they must be a byproduct of the ring’s manufacturing process. I simply never thought to question whether their presence was normal. However, over the years I’ve seen several used periphery rings advertised as having no dents whatsoever. So I’ve begun to wonder...are the dents on the ring I have within what’s considered normal or was I sold a returned/damaged item? P.S. - Sorry about attaching the pictures as files, but if I try to upload the pictures to this post or post links to them I'm told I have to wait for moderator approval. Unfortunately, I first received that message four days ago and haven't heard from a moderator yet (nor can I see how to contact one).

Mat, I'm trying to reach VPI to help me with a noisy motor on my VPI Prime that's still under warranty. I've called multiple times from December 4 through December 6 during business hours and no one answers the phone. I've also reached out via email on December 4 and have received no reply, and I've posted the issue on the forum and no one from VPI has responded (although user Brf has replied with some great, although unsuccessful, troubleshooting steps). I'm really anxious to get my motor fixed but I am having no luck getting in touch with anyone from VPI. Can you help?

The other day I moved the belt on my VPI Prime's motor pulley to play a 45 RPM record and when I started the motor I could hear the attached noise coming from the top of my motor. It's best heard directly above the motor's pulley. I held my iPhone about an inch away from the top of the motor's pulley to make the attached recording. I've noticed a clicking noise in the past but this static/grinding noise is new. It only occurs when the motor is loaded/driving the platter; when I remove the belt from the pulley and turn on the motor it's completely silent. Also, when I turn the motor off while the platter is spinning the noise goes away while the platter is spinning down. The noise is louder when playing at 45 RPM compared to 33 RPM. As far as I can tell the noise cannot be heard through my speakers. I've always performed annual maintenance on the turntable and have lubed the motor per Mat's instructional video. The motor's shaft is completely straight and has no vertical play. The motor's pulley is centered, its set screws are tight, and it doesn't wobble at all when it spins. I've inspected everything closely and nothing is rubbing; again, when there's no load on the motor, it runs completely silently. Does anyone have any idea what could be causing this or how I might fix it? The noise sounds a little like a sound I'd expect the brushes inside a cheap motor to make. Thanks in advance for any assistance! I tried to reach out to VPI via telephone several times today but no one answered.