VPI has just announced a new turntable, the Prime, that comes standard with its 10-inch 3D tonearm – it is also the first one designed solo by Mat Weisfeld, who’s been helming the company since the retirement of his father and VPI founder Harry.
The 3D tonearm apart, the Prime features a VTA tower for on-the-fly vertical tracking adjustments, the Classic platter, an outboard 300 RPM motor, stainless steel/Delrin clamp and new “Prime” feet for better isolation.
According to Mat, “The past three years, I have been focusing mainly on new/entry-level audiophiles and getting them to embrace vinyl for the first time. With the Prime, I wanted to get back to our roots and focus on the existing audience with a table that offers quality high-end sound while taking advantage of our advancements in technology.
“Also, it is important to show the industry that you’ll still be getting new turntables and designs whether Harry is in the factory or poolside!
“The Prime is my first solo design on a table with Harry approving it at the end as well as input from the rest of my staff on the building side.
“The shape of the Prime was meant to have a more curvy and sexy look compared with the ‘classic’ look of our tables in the past 10 years, at same time, having the footprint to accommodate the space needed for a 10-inch 3D arm. We are able to get the price down because of our improved technology and increased volume in printing and supply.”
The Prime, when it comes out in December, will retail at $3,500 but that’s the introductory price for this year – it will be US$3,800 in 2015.
