Custom Acrylic Turntable with VPI and Michell Components in Palm Bay, Florida

$1,495

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 is not a copy. 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 1 3/8”
thick and it weighs 6 lbs. 3 ozs. 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. 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. The tint is
less visible in low light – the photos were taken using bright photography soft
boxes, so the images show the maximum tint. 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 and the condition
is visible. 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 these
areas up 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
$1,495 plus $150 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
$150 for insured shipping anywhere in the continental US. No sales outside the
lower 48. I will ship via UPS Ground. If the shipping is more, I will cover
that cost. If it is less, I will refund the difference. 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 20 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.


Similar categories
Nearby Cities
Copyright © 2024 Americanlisted.com, All Rights Reserved.
Designated trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners.