VPI TT Belts

[jcmusic]

Anyone here ever try using something other than the rubber belts that comes with your TT?

Jay

[ferriteman]

I haven't myself, but regarding my HW 19 MK III, I find if I clean (in dishwashing soap) the stock belt and then lub it generously with baby powder, that it does improve the sound. It makes an immediate mess on the platter with the powder, but otherwise it sounds better for sure....

[stuwee]

I'm a little confused on why you would do this. Are they wearing out and changing the sound quickly?

[ferriteman]

I'm a little confused on why you would do this. Are they wearing out and changing the sound quickly?

I don't think it is actual "wear out" of the belt. The baby powder must have some kind of dampening effect, isolating the platter further when used. Because after the cleaning & baby powder, the sound is tighter, cleaner, sharper.

BTW, I thought everyone around VPI's knew about this baby-powder stuff. I bought my VPI 19 back in 1988, the dealer I bought it from, he sold them for many years, he told me to do this, so I figured everyone knew about it!

But it does work, it does improve the sound, and...I doesn't cost a fortune!

Regards!

[niklasthedolphin]

The worst enemy to belts for TT's, R2R or Cassette decks is not to be used.

"dolph"

[stuwee]

Thanks for the "baby powder" clear up answer, in my old clubbing days we would carry a little travel size bottle to "dust" the dance floor, easier to boogie with Doc Martins)dance()dance(!jam!

Dolph, seconded, use 'em often, play one today*Spin*!!

[ferriteman]

The worst enemy to belts for TT's, R2R or Cassette decks is not to be used.

"dolph"

The thing to remember is that belts for the VPI 19 series turntables are not of the typical rubber-based (or is that neophrane?) material. They are a I believe of some kind of silicone based material.