Opinion on a turntable: VPI
Joey_V
Posts: 8,552
Question for the hive, any opinions on VPI? And the unipivot arm?
Looking for my first table.
Thx
Looking for my first table.
Thx
Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R
Comments
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The older VPI Scout is a table on my short list of Iwannabuy
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Going from a Pro-Ject 2.9 to a VPI Scout 1.1 was pretty significant. Granted, I have a Grado Gold on the Project and an Ortofon 2m Blue on the VPI, but nonetheless it was another level of sound.
The unipivot is unsettling at first (and still a bit now), but I found it fairly straightforward to set up.
Even my entry level Scout feels extremely solid and quality-built. VPI brand has a certain air of respect with a pretty large following. Also a huge range of tables to suit your budget and needs.2 ChannelTurntable - VPI Classic 2/Ortofon 2M BlueAmplification - Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum II, Parks Audio Budgie PhonoSpeakers - GoldenEar Triton 17.2 Home TheaterDenon AVR-X3300W; Rotel RMB-1066; Klipsch RP-280F's, Klipsch RP-450C, Polk FXi3's, Polk RC60i; Dual SVS PB 2000's; BenQ HT2050; Elite Screens 120"Man CaveTurntable - Pro-Ject 2.9 Wood/Grado GoldAmplification - Dared SL2000a, McCormack DNA 0.5 DeluxeCD: Cambridge AudioSpeakers - Wharfedale Linton 85th Anniversary; LSiM 703; SDA 2A -
The VPI tables are awesome. I have a prime and have had it for about 4 years. It has the Unipivot. It is a little strange in how it works but it does a fantastic job.
What table are you considering? Cartridge? Phono pre?2 Channel Rosso Fiorentino Volterra II, 2 REL Carbon Limited, Norma Revo IPA-140B, Lumin U2 Mini, VPI Prime w/SoundSmith Zephyr MIMC, Modwright PH 150, Denon DP-59l w/Denon DL-301MKII, WAY Silver 3 Ana+ Speaker Cables, WAY Silver 4+ Interconnect Cables, AudioQuest Niagara 7000 w/Dragon and Hurricane Power Cables -
I've had a VPI Classic for around seven years now. One of the pieces I don't think about upgrading.
The Uni-pivot does take some time to get accustomed to, but when properly set up, it just sets there and glides through the grooves effortlessly, perfectly balanced.
VPI offers a Gimbal Tonearm that would probably be a little less frustrating for a Vinyl newcomer.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https://upscaleaudio.com/products/vpi-hw-40-anniversary-direct-drive-turntable&psig=AOvVaw2Xclre0DWOkw-VAQii_Ocv&ust=1601077520387000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAIQjRxqFwoTCLiR9Pf8guwCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAD
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I’ve had my Thorens for 47 years. If I ever replaced it, I would only consider VPI, especially after reading what they did for local medical personnel during the pandemic. No personal experience with one in my system, however.
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This is the one to get: https://www.musicdirect.com/turntables/VPI-HW-40-Turntable
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Sold!
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OuchPio Elete Pro 520
Panamax 5400-EX
Sunfire TGP 5
Micro Seiki DD-40 - Lyra-Dorian and Denon DL-160
PS Audio GCPH phono pre
Sunfire CG 200 X 5
Sunfire CG Sig 405 X 5
OPPO BDP-83 SE
SDA SRS 1.2TL Sonicaps and Mills
Ctr CS1000p
Sur - FX1000 x 4
SUB - SVS PB2-Plus
Workkout room:
Sony Bravia XBR- 32-Inch 1080p
Onkyo TX-DS898
GFA 555
Yamaha DVD-S1800BL/SACD
Ft - SDA 1C
Not being used:
RTi 38's -4
RT55i's - 2
RT25i's -2, using other 2 in shop
LSI 15's
CSi40
PSW 404 -
The unipivot arms do take some getting used to -- I like the VPI tables I've experienced (and I am OK with the arms). Not really my cup of tea, but certainly not junk, either.
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This is the one to get: https://www.musicdirect.com/turntables/VPI-HW-40-Turntable
That thing doesn't even have a 78 RPM setting....pass. -
The VPI tables are awesome. I have a prime and have had it for about 4 years. It has the Unipivot. It is a little strange in how it works but it does a fantastic job.
What table are you considering? Cartridge? Phono pre?
Is the unipivot a pain to maintain? I worry about center image solidity.
The table:
VPI Avenger Reference with fatboy, rim drive, peripheral ring, center clamp
The cartridge:
Lyra Etna
Phono:
Not sure yet, probably ARC Ref 2 or higherMagico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R -
This is the one to get: https://www.musicdirect.com/turntables/VPI-HW-40-Turntable
Serious question
How would this compare to the Avenger Reference?Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R -
Oh my...another rabbit hole. But I must say, Joey, you have dug straight to the bottom! VPI doesn't make crap. Be prepared for lots of detailed setup, but you having a scientific mind, I think you would embrace it."This may not matter to you, but it does to me for various reasons, many of them illogical or irrational, but the vinyl hobby is not really logical or rational..." - member on Vinyl Engine
"Sometimes I do what I want to do. The rest of the time, I do what I have to." - Cicero, in Gladiator
Regarding collectibles: "It's not who gets it. It's who gets stuck with it." - Jimmy Fallon -
Oh my...another rabbit hole. But I must say, Joey, you have dug straight to the bottom! VPI doesn't make crap. Be prepared for lots of detailed setup, but you having a scientific mind, I think you would embrace it.
I have 2 options, buy a starter table or an endgame.
I was looking at the Project RPM10 carbon but I have an option for the Avenger Reference with Etna, set up by John Fort. So my mind starts thinking...
If I buy a starter table, what if it’s not significantly better than my digital? And then is it just going to cost me more in the long term?
Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R -
The VPI tables are awesome. I have a prime and have had it for about 4 years. It has the Unipivot. It is a little strange in how it works but it does a fantastic job.
What table are you considering? Cartridge? Phono pre?
Is the unipivot a pain to maintain? I worry about center image solidity.
The table:
VPI Avenger Reference with fatboy, rim drive, peripheral ring, center clamp
The cartridge:
Lyra Etna
Phono:
Not sure yet, probably ARC Ref 2 or higher
It did take some time to get use to but once it was broken in I haven’t looked back. I check all settings a couple times per year but can’t remember the last time I actually made a change.
You will be very happy with that setup. Just keep in mind listening is more effort. And collecting records is a 🐇 hole.....2 Channel Rosso Fiorentino Volterra II, 2 REL Carbon Limited, Norma Revo IPA-140B, Lumin U2 Mini, VPI Prime w/SoundSmith Zephyr MIMC, Modwright PH 150, Denon DP-59l w/Denon DL-301MKII, WAY Silver 3 Ana+ Speaker Cables, WAY Silver 4+ Interconnect Cables, AudioQuest Niagara 7000 w/Dragon and Hurricane Power Cables -
Which do you have?Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R
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Which do you have?
I have VPI Prime with Soundsmith Zephyr MIMC and Parasound JC3. Along with a Stereo Squares plexi cover.
I also have a Denon DP-59l with a Ortofon 2M Bronze.
2 Channel Rosso Fiorentino Volterra II, 2 REL Carbon Limited, Norma Revo IPA-140B, Lumin U2 Mini, VPI Prime w/SoundSmith Zephyr MIMC, Modwright PH 150, Denon DP-59l w/Denon DL-301MKII, WAY Silver 3 Ana+ Speaker Cables, WAY Silver 4+ Interconnect Cables, AudioQuest Niagara 7000 w/Dragon and Hurricane Power Cables -
No doubt business is good in the ED, so take that leap to the VPII have 2 options, buy a starter table or an endgame.
I was looking at the Project RPM10 carbon but I have an option for the Avenger Reference with Etna, set up by John Fort. So my mind starts thinking...
If I buy a starter table, what if it’s not significantly better than my digital? And then is it just going to cost me more in the long term?
You deserve it in these trying times as a health-care provider. HOWEVER, consider your little ones, and if they might attempt to...whatever. "This may not matter to you, but it does to me for various reasons, many of them illogical or irrational, but the vinyl hobby is not really logical or rational..." - member on Vinyl Engine
"Sometimes I do what I want to do. The rest of the time, I do what I have to." - Cicero, in Gladiator
Regarding collectibles: "It's not who gets it. It's who gets stuck with it." - Jimmy Fallon -
VPI tables and Soundsmith carts are a match made in heaven. Unipivot is a bit strange at first, but you catch on quickly. They now have a little plate you can attach at the pivot, which makes it steadier without any negative effects.Political Correctness'.........defined
"A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."
President of Club Polk -
Jesse, have you gone full strain-gauge, or one of Peter's moving iron options?"This may not matter to you, but it does to me for various reasons, many of them illogical or irrational, but the vinyl hobby is not really logical or rational..." - member on Vinyl Engine
"Sometimes I do what I want to do. The rest of the time, I do what I have to." - Cicero, in Gladiator
Regarding collectibles: "It's not who gets it. It's who gets stuck with it." - Jimmy Fallon -
Yeah right...lol
Zephyr MIMC StarPolitical Correctness'.........defined
"A doctrine fostered by a delusional, illogical minority and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a t-u-r-d by the clean end."
President of Club Polk -
No doubt business is good in the ED, so take that leap to the VPII have 2 options, buy a starter table or an endgame.
I was looking at the Project RPM10 carbon but I have an option for the Avenger Reference with Etna, set up by John Fort. So my mind starts thinking...
If I buy a starter table, what if it’s not significantly better than my digital? And then is it just going to cost me more in the long term? You deserve it in these trying times as a health-care provider. HOWEVER, consider your little ones, and if they might attempt to...whatever.
Ha, it’s not that good. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be ruminating about which is most bang for the buck.
Let’s just say I’ve denied myself for long enough.Magico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R -
2 Channel Rosso Fiorentino Volterra II, 2 REL Carbon Limited, Norma Revo IPA-140B, Lumin U2 Mini, VPI Prime w/SoundSmith Zephyr MIMC, Modwright PH 150, Denon DP-59l w/Denon DL-301MKII, WAY Silver 3 Ana+ Speaker Cables, WAY Silver 4+ Interconnect Cables, AudioQuest Niagara 7000 w/Dragon and Hurricane Power Cables
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It's a brave new world. But remember with vinyl, it is all about the accessories. Cleanliness is next to Godliness, so you'll need a RCM, brushes for vinyl and stylus, anti-static solutions, new sleeves in many cases, etc."This may not matter to you, but it does to me for various reasons, many of them illogical or irrational, but the vinyl hobby is not really logical or rational..." - member on Vinyl Engine
"Sometimes I do what I want to do. The rest of the time, I do what I have to." - Cicero, in Gladiator
Regarding collectibles: "It's not who gets it. It's who gets stuck with it." - Jimmy Fallon -
Yeah
Sounds like a blackholeMagico M2, JL113v2x2, EMM, ARC Ref 10 Line, ARC Ref 10 Phono, VPIx2, Lyra Etna, Airtight Opus1, Boulder, AQ Wel&Wild, SRA Scuttle Rack, BlueSound+LPS, Thorens 124DD+124SPU, Sennheiser, Metaxas R2R -
This is really good advice. I'm no where near the end of the pool being discussed here, but I've seen enough to know that as you bring in more resolution to vinyl, you also can bring in more need for perfection and maintenance. Not only do you need to find good masters, but they have to be good pressings. And they have to be CLEAN. As your resolution goes up, so does the magnification of every imperfection.It's a brave new world. But remember with vinyl, it is all about the accessories. Cleanliness is next to Godliness, so you'll need a RCM, brushes for vinyl and stylus, anti-static solutions, new sleeves in many cases, etc.
You'll want to do some serious research on cleaning, set up, and maintenance before diving in. I'm actually assuming this was already factored in if you're looking at this level of gear, but it just cannot be stressed enough. Sometimes you might have to clean a record 4 or 5 times to really get it clean. Getting into vinyl is like getting into a high maintenance cars. Amazing fun if you enjoy it, but you'd better enjoy the work of it too... or have someone to do it for you.
The mention of the kids is also relevant. Good set up and clean records will allow you to run the same stylus for a very long time. But children or a pet (usually cats) can completely destroy a cartridge in the blink of an eye.
But even with all of its complications, I still love the vinyl side of the hobby. I actually kind of enjoy the process of cleaning a record and cataloging it. I love finding new albums at a record store. I love the way great vinyl can sound. I love the way a well set up table runs like a refined time piece. It's a hobby within the audio hobby, and it's not for everyone, but it's certainly for me.Analog: MoFi MasterTracker > MoFi UltraDeck > Sutherland 20/20
Digital: Cambridge CXC / Streaming > Cambridge CXN v2
MastersounD Dueventi > Rosso Fiorentino Certaldo or Arcam rHead > Hifiman HE4XX
Discogs -
This is the one to get: https://www.musicdirect.com/turntables/VPI-HW-40-Turntable
Serious question
How would this compare to the Avenger Reference?
No idea. I suggest you call VPI and ask them that question, I'm sure they would be happy to assist. -
this might be a great table to check out.
https://www.musicdirect.com/turntables/SME-Package-30-2A-Model-30-2-Turntable-with-Series-V-TonearmAmplifiers: Norma IPA 140, MasterSound Compact 845, Ayre v6xe, Consonance Cyber 800
Preamp: deHavilland Ultraverve 3
Dac: Sonnet Morpheus 2, Musical Paradise mp-d2 mkIII
Transport: Jay's Audio CDT2 mk2, Lumin U1 mini
Speakers: Rosso Fiorentino Volterra II
Speaker Cables: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2, Organic Audio Organic Reference 2
Interconnects: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2, Argento Organic Reference 2, Argento Organic 2
Power Cables: Argento Organic Reference, Synergistic Research Foundation 10 and 12 ga.
Digital cables: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2 bnc, Tellurium Q aes, Silnote Audio Poseidon Signature 2 bnc
Puritan PSM156 -
SME is another legendary brand in the high end TT space, and I will point out that you see their tone arms land on other tables frequently. Herb Reichert used an SME arm on his reference TT, Steve Guttenberg uses an SME table in his reference system. Nothing like 3rd party validation of a design. Something to consider.Analog: MoFi MasterTracker > MoFi UltraDeck > Sutherland 20/20
Digital: Cambridge CXC / Streaming > Cambridge CXN v2
MastersounD Dueventi > Rosso Fiorentino Certaldo or Arcam rHead > Hifiman HE4XX
Discogs
