Sorry, but it wasn't me that made any "predisposed audiophile assumptions."

All I did was remark that I wouldn't be interested in a turntable with a built-in phono stage. That's based preference, not assumption. For the same reason, I don't care for integrated amplifiers, or preamplifiers with built-in phono sections.

To answer your question: No, I haven't heard the Vanquish. That's why I didn't make any comment about how it might sound.

Ok, whatever ............

Imagine fitting a DS cart that needs its own phono preamp to work. Or a Soundsmith Strain Gauge system.

It doesn’t make sense to have a bundled phono preamp at this price point.

Agree with the fellas above. Flexibility is a must. Can't figure out the strategy of a built in stage at this level? :scratch2:

doggiehowser making my mouth water! Spent a lot of time listening to the SS Strain Guage system at CAF. Incredible! Think I will start a thread.

I spent some quality time with Harry and his chief phono preamp designer today at CAF and I asked the question, why build a phono stage into the vanquish.

His answer SOTA design and synergy. It was certainly synergistic with his custom 14 inch arms and the cartridges in use, audio technica for everyday use and a 13K for serious listening cannot remember the brand. Krell electronics, KEF speakers and Nordost rounded out the system.

Sound was remarkable, tonal purity, dynamic and musical in a decent size room but typically challenging in a show environment. As far as physical build utterly incredible, bullet proof and beautiful. Huge pride of ownership factor.

What is the MSRP of this design?

Read it hasn't been set but is expected to be in the ~$100K to 120K range.

I believe that price estimate includes at least the 14" arm, controller box, phono stage, and that massive stand with open slot for an extra component (e.g. preamp) - maybe cartridge(s) too. Everyone's going to want to hear a "table-only" price, which they may or may not do, but knowing VPI you can probably expect them to release a much more reasonably priced stand-alone model based on the new drive tech and similar table form, in a year or so (remember them going from the $30K Classic Direct to the nicer looking $15K 40th Anniversary model a few years later). I think they'd be shocked to sell more than 2 of these reference packages, but who knows.

It goes without saying that $120K gives you so many other AMAZING options for table/rack/phono stage, in so many endless combinations (e.g. start with $20K into a beautiful HRS or CMS rack with constrained-layer damping).

I attended CAF last week as well and got to see this beast in person. Awesome set up.

https://i.imgur.com/k3XMGhbl.jpg https://i.imgur.com/mKGRTjHl.jpg