The VPI Turntable Thread

VPI has a prolific history of product introductions over its history and pretty good inventory management. I don't see this one as very risky given that the biggest cost components, the motor, the outer plinth and the platter, are likely shared with the Classic Signature parts bin. The tonearm is the biggest departure and they are managing costs on that by not offering on-the-fly VTA adjustment at product launch. We will see this same tonearm design in other VPI products to spread R&D and volume production costs in the future.

What I'm unclear on is what segment of the turntable market are they targeting that is missed by the Classic Signature and the Prime Series.
 
Angsty said:
VPI has a prolific history of product introductions over its history and pretty good inventory management. I don't see this one as very risky given that the biggest cost components, the motor, the outer plinth and the platter, are likely shared with the Classic Signature parts bin. The tonearm is the biggest departure and they are managing costs on that by not offering on-the-fly VTA adjustment at product launch. We will see this same tonearm design in other VPI products to spread R&D and volume production costs in the future.

What I'm unclear on is what segment of the turntable market are they targeting that is missed by the Classic Signature and the Prime Series.
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It’s completely modular as opposed to partially, so in theory, it is future proof?
 
Angsty said:
VPI has a prolific history of product introductions over its history and pretty good inventory management. I don't see this one as very risky given that the biggest cost components, the motor, the outer plinth and the platter, are likely shared with the Classic Signature parts bin. The tonearm is the biggest departure and they are managing costs on that by not offering on-the-fly VTA adjustment at product launch. We will see this same tonearm design in other VPI products to spread R&D and volume production costs in the future.

What I'm unclear on is what segment of the turntable market are they targeting that is missed by the Classic Signature and the Prime Series.
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Yeah I'm a little confused as to why at only about $800 more you wouldn't just get the Classic Signature over this one. I mean it's not totally modular but it's pretty dang close, almost everything on it is swappable.
 
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Mather said:
Yeah I'm a little confused as to why at only about $800 more you wouldn't just get the Classic Signature over this one. I mean it's not totally modular but it's pretty dang close, almost everything on it is swappable.
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The "modular" message doesn't resonate with me so much as I only see tonearm swaps as the true upgrade path at this point. It would be something if VPI were more affirmative in stating how they would support the ability to swap out to other vendor's tonearms.
 
Mather said:
Yeah I'm a little confused as to why at only about $800 more you wouldn't just get the Classic Signature over this one. I mean it's not totally modular but it's pretty dang close, almost everything on it is swappable.
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Damn that things purdy.

Are these things a step above something like a Technics G or pretty comparable you think?
 
VPI and Vetere make the prettiest turntables and if I could afford either I would get them. Instead at this point, I might get a Theory in a couple of years. Honestly, it’s probably a good thing because I don’t want to fall down all these rabbit holes you cats explore, but I sure enjoy watching y’all do it.
 
Ghost said:
Damn that things purdy.

Are these things a step above something like a Technics G or pretty comparable you think?
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It's two different mousetrap designs.
Technics gives a lot better control at the micro details with setting anti-skate and VTA.
And the G has a magnesium arm for what that's worth.

I think it's all up to the consumer preferences.
I like the ability to dial in a cart with more setup precision on the Technics.

And switching from 33 to 45 is a 1 sec button push.


VPI takes it on cosmetics IMO.
 
spydrwebb44 said:
I loved my Classic 3 until I had problems and VPI was incredibly unresponsive and pushed the onus back on me eventually, as if to suggest I abused their kit.

Jumped ship and landed on a MoFi MasterDeck. With the exception of some initial installation hiccups I've never regretted the transition.
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Sorry to hear that. I got great service from VPI when I had plinth separation issue with my Traveler.
 
Nee Lewman said:
It’s completely modular as opposed to partially, so in theory, it is future proof?
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Yes, that's the main sales point, plus 10 year warranty.

Mather said:
Yeah I'm a little confused as to why at only about $800 more you wouldn't just get the Classic Signature over this one. I mean it's not totally modular but it's pretty dang close, almost everything on it is swappable.
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It's for tweakers

Angsty said:
The "modular" message doesn't resonate with me so much as I only see tonearm swaps as the true upgrade path at this point. It would be something if VPI were more affirmative in stating how they would support the ability to swap out to other vendor's tonearms.
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Matt Westfield said in the introduction speech that they will custom fit any arm if you send them an arm (presumably for a price, and some physical limitations)

Ghost said:
Damn that things purdy.

Are these things a step above something like a Technics G or pretty comparable you think?
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TBD, I don't think enough people have been able to hear this yet, let alone compare.
Plus we're talking suspended belt drive vs high mass DD.

But I imagine this will fall similar to the Prime 21 and other similar priced VPIs - Technics will win as stock, but VPI can easily surpass it with upgrades which are much more readily available and easier to install. Especially in this modular design.
 
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