Vinyl Asylum: REVIEW: VPI Industries TNT-HR Turntables by scousepasty

Model:	TNT-HR
Category:	Turntables
Suggested Retail Price:	$7000.00.?
Description:	Hot rod version of HW19
Manufacturer URL:	VPI Industries
Manufacturer URL:	VPI Industries

Review by scousepasty ( A ) on May 30, 2003 at 13:14:47
IP Address: 80.88.128.14

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for the TNT-HR

Bought the VPI TNT-HR after reading many positive reviews and auditioned the turntable in my own system. Initial setting -up was a bit fiddly but not tricky, compared with the SME20 that I have. Hardest part was finding a pump that would slowly inflate the suspension balls.
Sounded lively from the first vinyl played - Alison Kraus, 'New Favourite', and so it was. Tried a Clearaudio Insider first and then the Discovery. Both with a Clearaudio Balance Phono Stage and a Tube Technology Phono. Also tried a C-J 14 Phono. But neither worked compared with the Clearaudio Balance, in terms of definition, speed or bass.
The sound stage is good and the music does not sound dry in comparison to the SME in my system. Very Critical of poor recordings and l.p's which have not been cleaned properly. Love being able to adjust the VTA during playing and need a laptop set up to remember all the best sounding settings, especially on live jazz recordings.
Found the best and most accurate means of setting the speed on the VPI power control was / is by playing the same L.P.and C.D., simultaneously and synchronizing the motor speed to the C.D. by switching sources through the pre-amp.

Product Weakness: Suspension needs to be inflated to critical height/pressure to maintain the very best performance/sound and kept level. The air suspension can need daily attention in warm weather. Suspension top covering cap has come unglued twice! Have done a proper job now with Aircraft quality super glue. Stabilising screw of the arm was missing.
Having seen and heard an HRX, I want one!It's the only turntable that I have thus far heard which sounds better than the TNT-HR but I would love to hear the J.C.Verdier Platine with a Schroeder Ref. arm and Allearts Cartridge.
Product Strengths: Nice finish and quiet. Meaning no bearing or motor noise.
Focus can be concentrated on enjoying the music and not 'listening' to the Turntable

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	ARC150,s & ARC120,s,dual mono.
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Clearaudio Balance Phono, ARC LS2B Pre.
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Meridian 602CDP. 606DAC
Speakers:	Quad ELS63/Gradient SW63
Cables/Interconnects:	VPI phono. VandenHul 2nd Bal.Inters.
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Operetta-G&S. Jazz. Country.
Room Size (LxWxH):	24ft. x 22ft x 8.5ft
Room Comments/Treatments:	see inmates system.
Time Period/Length of Audition:	Purchased Sept.02. / 3weeks.
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Russ Andrews.
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner
Your System (if other than home audition):	See inmates system