VPI Industries was founded in 1978 by Harry and Sheila Weisfeld and is headquartered in Cliffwood, New Jersey. Its origins are curious: Harry didn't want to build turntables; he was looking for a record cleaning machine he could afford. The company's first major product was the HW-16 record cleaning machine, which arrived in 1981 and is still in production in an updated version. Shortly thereafter, the first turntable, the HW-19, was launched. It remained in the catalog for a long time and was updated in the Mk 2, 3, and 4 versions. Today, the company is led by his son, Mat Weisfeld, who has continued his legacy, bringing new ideas.
Since the HW-19, VPI's hallmark has been the ability to upgrade existing equipment over time: motors, platters, and tonearms can be upgraded without changing the turntable, so much so that the company still supports owners of early models today. Added to this are heavy aluminum platters, synchronous motors separated from the chassis, and a family of in-house-designed tonearms, the JMW series, with single-pivot or gimbaled bearings.
In recent years, VPI has brought 3D printing to its arms: the JMW-10-3D, with a one-piece printed barrel, equips the Prime 21, while the Fatboy Gimbal 10-3D version with Nordost wiring is mounted on the Signature 21. The Scout 21, which renews the previous Prime Scout, instead uses the classic JMW 9 aluminum and improves the motor housing and isolation feet.
Among the new turntables available, in showrooms and to order online, are the VPI Scout 21, Prime 21, Prime 21 Plus, Signature 21 and Classic Signature.
The Scout 21 is the entry point to the range and already has everything you need for serious analog listening: the JMW 9 tonearm is easily adjustable and allows you to change cartridges in seconds. It's a sensible choice for those coming from a mid-range turntable and looking for a significant leap in stability and detail.
The Prime 21 takes things up a notch with a stiffer, more damped 3D-printed 10-inch tonearm and a beefier chassis; the Prime 21 Plus is the next evolution. The Signature 21 features a gimbaled Fatboy tonearm and a layered construction designed to further reduce vibrations reaching the cartridge—this makes sense in high-end systems, where the cartridge and preamp are also up to par.
The Classic Signature follows a different setup, with a traditional plinth, synchronous motor and solid aluminum and steel platter on an inverted bearing: it appeals to those looking for a full sound and the aesthetics of a classic turntable.
Whichever model you choose, the combination with the cartridge and phono preamp is very important, as is the furniture on which you place the turntable: a stable and insulated surface is much more effective than any accessory.
In our showroom in Carpi, you can listen to VPI turntables in the listening room and receive advice on choosing the most suitable cartridge and preamp. Models can also be ordered online at audiocostruzioni.com with shipping, and you can ask us for the same advice by email before purchasing. We'll also consider trading in your current turntable.
