
( Brand: Vpi ), ( Part Type: Board ), ( Country/region Of Manufacture: United States )
The VPI Arm FT-4 FT-3 FT Board HW19 FT-4 Sumiko is a high-end turntable upgrade kit designed for audiophiles seeking superior sound quality. This kit is specifically designed for VPI's popular Turntable models, such as the HW-19 and FT-4.
The FT-3 FT Board is the heart of this upgrade kit. It's a three-sided, three-layer board made from high-density fiberboard, which provides excellent rigidity and reduces vibrations to an absolute minimum. The board's unique design allows for the perfect placement of the motor, which significantly reduces motor noise and improves overall sound quality.
The kit also includes the FT-4 Sumiko arm, a high-performance tonearm that's capable of handling a wide range of cartridges. The arm is made from aircraft-grade aluminum, ensuring strength and precision. The FT-4 Sumiko arm features a low-mass headshell, which reduces tracking distortion and allows for a more natural sound.
The kit's hardware is also top-notch, with high-quality bearings and adjustable VTA and azimuth adjustments. The bearing used in this kit is a low-friction, self-lubricating design, ensuring smooth operation and long-term durability.
In conclusion, the VPI Arm FT-4 FT-3 FT Board HW19 FT-4 Sumiko is an excellent upgrade kit for VPI turntables. It offers significant improvements in sound quality, with reduced vibrations, improved motor performance, and a high-performance tonearm. This kit is a must-have for audiophiles who demand the best in sound quality and are willing to invest in their turntable setup.
Pros of VPI HW19 FT-4/FT-3/FT3 Board with Sumiko Cartridge:1. High-quality construction: The VPI HW19 turntable is known for its robust and well-built design. This durability ensures that the turntable can withstand regular use without any significant wear and tear.
2. Excellent sound quality: The Sumiko cartridge included with this turntable offers a detailed and balanced sound, with a good balance between bass, midrange, and treble frequencies.
3. Versatile: The FT-3/FT-4/FT3 board allows for the use of different tonearms, giving users the flexibility to experiment with different cartridges and tuning options.
4. Customizable: The VPI HW19 turntable is highly customizable, allowing users to modify and upgrade various components to suit their specific preferences and requirements.
Cons of VPI HW19 FT-4/FT-3/FT3 Board with Sumiko Cartridge:1. High price point: The VPI HW19 is a premium turntable and comes with a premium price tag. This may be a significant investment for some users.
2. Requires some assembly: The VPI HW19 requires some assembly, which can be time-consuming and may require some technical knowledge.
3. Not for beginners: The VPI HW19 may be too complex for beginners who are new to turntables and vinyl record playback.
Conclusion:The VPI HW19 FT-4/FT-3/FT3 Board with Sumiko Cartridge is a high-quality turntable that offers excellent sound quality, versatility, and customization options. While it is a significant investment, the build quality and sound performance make it a worthwhile purchase for serious audiophiles and vinyl enthusiasts. However, beginners may find the VPI HW19 too complex and time-consuming to set up and use.
Recommendation:If you are a serious audiophile or vinyl enthusiast looking for a high-quality turntable that offers excellent sound quality and customization options, the VPI HW19 FT-4/FT-3/FT3 Board with Sumiko Cartridge is an excellent choice. However, if you are a beginner or on a tight budget, you may want to consider other options that offer similar performance at a lower price point.
As pictured. Cut for sumiko ft3 ft4 ft 3 ft 4. Does not look new but not abused either.
Vpi HW19 arm board.