T.H.E. Show Newport 2014

PBN Introduces Curvaceous Turntable Based on VPI's Classic Direct Drive

Michael Fremer  |  Jun 1, 2014

PBN's Peter Noerbaek has long purchased VPI components, particularly the company's stand-alone dual motor/flywheel pods with which he's built sculpted wood turntables.

At T.H.E. Show Newport 2014 he showed a spectacular new direct drive turntable that utilizes the direct drive platter/motor module developed by VPI for its Classic Direct Drive turntable I reviewed recently in Stereophile

Noerbaek's version is both physically gorgeous and appeared to be better damped than VPI's own model. Noerbaek's costs $35,000 without arm. VPI's costs $30,000 with arm. I'm sure it sounds at least as good as the VPI and it looks a whole lot better. I found it difficult to stop looking at it. Judge for yourself.

COMMENTS
HarryW's picture
Submitted by HarryW on Sun, 2014-06-01 06:44

You could have saved the planet 20,000 gallons of jet fuel and driven down the parkway 40 miles to VPI and seen the first one!!! This is what it needed, not the fact that the speed is perfect (job number one for a turntable) not the fact that the arm does not resonate, no a wood base, that would have done it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Michael Fremer's picture
Submitted by Michael Fremer on Mon, 2014-06-02 06:09
Some people need cosmetic glory. Some don't.
Ortofan's picture
Submitted by Ortofan on Sun, 2014-06-01 10:55

But it won't play my treasured 78rpm recording of Robert Merrill singing 'Home on the Range.'

I'd rather have a Thorens Prestige - with a gold-plated SME tonearm, or two.

Martin's picture
Submitted by Martin on Sun, 2014-06-01 11:03

Any chance of a review?
If it sounds at least as good as the VPI it goes to the top of my list.

Michael Fremer's picture
Submitted by Michael Fremer on Mon, 2014-06-02 06:07
You can read part I of the VPI 'table here: http://www.stereophile.com/content/vpi-classic-direct-drive-signature-turntable The PBN uses the VPI's "guts" and should sound the same—if fitted with the VPI printed tonearm. The wooden plinth may provide additional mechanical isolation.
vinyl listener's picture
Submitted by vinyl listener on Mon, 2014-06-02 03:43

;)

planarhead's picture
Submitted by planarhead on Mon, 2014-06-02 08:16

Call me crazy, I think the Classic Direct looks better.

AnalogJ's picture
Submitted by AnalogJ on Mon, 2014-06-02 20:10

I actually agree. I prefer the classic turntable look over the space age look; though I admit I love the look of Oracle tables.

Paul Boudreau's picture
Submitted by Paul Boudreau on Mon, 2014-06-02 15:29

I'd feel as if I needed to perform an obeisance whilst approaching it!

Jazzfan62's picture
Submitted by Jazzfan62 on Mon, 2014-06-02 19:14

I know Peter. Not only is he a great audio engineer, but a great guy too. Does the table also come in various finishes? Some of the finishes are awesome on his speakers.

pbnaudio's picture
Submitted by pbnaudio on Tue, 2014-06-03 08:33

Thanks you for the write up and for the kind words.

The GrooveMaster Direct as well as the belt drive version is available in many different Hardwood species.

Thanks

Peter Noerbaek
PBN Audio

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