Analog Gear News

In our humble opinion here at AP, turntables are forever. VPI Industries clearly agree with that statement, as they’ve just announced the Model One turntable, the first entry in their new Forever series.

As we alluded to in our review of VPI’s special combo Super Scout/Scout 21 turntable last Monday (i.e., October 28, 2024) — a review that you can read right here — VPI was on the verge of announcing a new VIP-level turntable, and they’ve done so in pure style with the new Model One. The first entry in the newly christened Forever series, the Model One table features a fully modular and upgradeable system, and it is also said to be “paying tribute to over 45 years of VPI heritage” — and here’s why.

At the core of the Model One table — for which VPI provides a hearty 10-year warranty — is the motor drive and platter module mounted on a thick aluminum plate that features a resonance-canceling damping plate said to reduce vibrations in order to improve sound clarity. The 300rpm belt-drive motor (500rpm in 230V countries) deploys a two-speed pulley for “precise” speed control. Meanwhile, the 2in thick, 12in diameter platter comes with an inverted bearing designed to minimize the surface-area contact between the platter and the bearing.

In addition to the photo of the table seen at the outset of this story, VPI have also shared some conceptual drawings to show how the table has been designed. The Model One also debuts a new 3-point floating suspension system that is said to stabilize the turntable, minimize motor noise, and reduce both external and internal vibrations. The isolated suspension utilizes high-tech polymer, and is “fully adjustable” for leveling.

Another important feature of the Model One turntable is its new, solid-aluminum, statically balanced 10in VPI S-Tonearm. Azimuth adjustment is at the headshell, coupled with a solid mounting system. The Vertical Tracking Adjustment (VTA) is in the arm base. The S-shaped arm’s ABEC 5 bearings are said to offer ultra-low friction to eliminate chatter and ensure smooth motion in both the horizontal and vertical planes. Other features of the S-Tonearm include a locking threaded counterweight and internal 69 VPI high-purity copper wire — the latter being one continuous piece from the headshell to the RCA connection.

Other specs include an effective length given as 255mm, mounting distance as 240mm, effective mass as 10.4g, overhang as 15mm, pickup weight as 5-15g, height adjustment as 40-65mm, and offset angle as 21º. A hinged dustcover and a blank armboard are also provided for additional customization options.

Finally, the SRP and availability date for the VPI Model One turntable are still respectively TBD, though the table can be preordered now at authorized VPI dealers.

For more about VPI, go here.
To find an authorized VPI dealer, go here.