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VPI Direct Drive Turntable

I received a copy of the new Music Direct catalog today and saw the new VPI Classic Direct Drive turntable listed at $30,000. It looks virtually indistinguishable from the Classic 3 with the new 3-D tonearm save for three speed buttons in place of the pulley and the rubber belt. The description on the MD website is rather scant, and certainly does not give enough information to explain what makes this turntable $25K more expensive than the belt drive Classic line. The VPI website makes no mention of the new flagship product at all.

Does anyone have any information on this new megabuck VPI table?
actusreus

Showing 8 responses by peterayer

peterayer
1,382 posts
 
It's kind of fun to watch both the VPI tour video by Fremer on AnalogPlanet and the factory tour of SME Ltd., parts 1-3, on YouTube. I wish there were more of these factory tour videos. They are pretty informative.
peterayer
1,382 posts
 
There are a few good alternatives for $30K. Time will tell how this one performs relative to the competition.

The 3D arm has now been out a while. Are there any reviews or have people compared it to other references? I saw a recent video from Fremer on his website showing a tour of the VPI factory, but it stops short of discussing the sound of these new products. It is quite a tease.
peterayer
1,382 posts
 
It feels good to smile. Thanks Dreadhead.
peterayer
1,382 posts
 
It will be interesting to hear how this compares to other expensive DD tables: a reconditioned SP10 Mk3 and the Dobbin's "The Beat."
peterayer
1,382 posts
 
Don, you could ask the same question to other companies like Magico with their Q7 and Ultimate or Clearaudio with their Statement turntable. They do it because it is possible, it makes a statement, it helps with marketing, it helps them learn new ideas and develop future product, and because there are a few enthusiasts who want them and can afford them.
peterayer
1,382 posts
 
Tubes, Your first paragraph describes my experience with SME products. I can't speak about VPI as I have no experience with the brand except for the VPI 16.5 RCM I used to own. I do think judgement regarding the performance and build quality of this new DD table should be withheld until there is some actual experience with it.
peterayer
1,382 posts
 
Don,

Could you define what you mean by "bomb"? They may expect to sell very few units. How many would constitute success in your mind?
peterayer
1,382 posts
 
Everyone is discussing the price of this table. Why is there almost no discussion of how it performs? Surely people heard it at CES and in some other settings. Myles Astor on WBF has one for review but I've not read what he thinks about it yet.
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