New HW-40 Turntable
 

VPI just posted a photo on their FB page:
https://scontent-ort2-2.xx.fbcdn.net...3b&oe=5C4A9C4C

More to come soon on their website. I like the return to classic styling on this one.

Edit: Limited edition of 400. MSRP $15,000. Includes a 12" fatboy tonearm. I'm actually on the fence about dropping this kind of coin. I could sell my Classic and 3D arm and recoup a chunk of that.

This might cost me. Was thinking of a direct drive

Order early, I am told more than half have been sold already. Plus you have AA’s special pricing. :o

I wonder if they'll introduce a standard edition of this into the lineup. The 30k for the classic direct was out of most people's range, but 15k for a LE is much more reasonable. Very tempting in either case, looks beautiful as well.

Looks aside, 15k seems a bit 'salty' IMO. While I'm sure the tonearm is a gem I doubt very, very much if the table itself is any better, if even equal to that of the Technics SL-1200GAE @ 4k ..............

More info: https://www.analogplanet.com/content...rive-turntable

I think the table looks great and most likely sounds excellent as well, but for this money you’d have to take a hard look at the AMG Viella V12.....close to Reference quality around the same price.

- Buck

Is the cheaper than the original Classic Direct Drive?

Yes, by over $20k

Wow, looks great.

That's the nicest looking VPI I've ever seen, and probably the first I'd consider owning since the Aries 3 / HR-X days. Quite beautiful. There's pics of another one with Rosewood sides, and without the lame "Anniversary" font, that looks even better. That said, the VPI lineup has been in flux and (to me) seems confusing over the last several years.

I was hopeful it'd make it into the lineup as a non-LE product, but the Fremer article states VPI bought 400 motors to make 400 tables. I have a Classic 2 in the piano black 3 plinth and it's a great match for my Mac gear. Not that I don't like the looks of the HW-40, but a direct drive in a piano black plinth would be a great combo for me. Considering the Fatboy it already a $4,000 arm, I think 15k is pretty reasonable. I suspect this will sell out quickly.

That’s what I thought. Normally the Limited Edition stuff tend to be pricier... so kudos they didn’t do that.

Is there a reason why this is cheaper? Were some compromises made to meet this price point vs the original direct drive?

Yes, the Primary reason is they committed to and purchased 400 motors up front. This is the single most expensive component in these.

I even broke down and ordered one for myself. :yes:

Compared to the other DD I know of - the Grand Prix Monaco [emoji51] this is a bargain!! Even compared to the last Direct Drive Classic

That's a great looking TT. Much prefer DD, but............... $15K is a stretch.

The pic you saw was exactly how the HW40 looked at the launch. It will have the "wood" side panels. The "lame anniversary font" was a mockup. Mat has been getting feedback on what badging (if any) should be on the top of the table. I personally would prefer limited edition badging with X of 400 on the back of the table and leave the top as clean as possible.

I'm very interested in this table as well. And I currently own the Aries 3D which looks like a smaller version of the HRX. I think it is one of their best looking tables (but I'm biased).

While this looks like an excellent table I’ll be sticking with my Avenger w. Reference arm for now. I listened to the AMG and I liked the Avenger better.

George

I would love to compare this vs the Brinkmann Bardo. I keep hearing wonderful things about direct drive.

Hoping we get a chance to hear the HW40 in DFW soon.

If you want to compare based on price alone, better suited is the direct-drive Grand Prix Parabolica at $17k.

Very different DD tables. Brinkman is low torque motor that takes 8-12 seconds to start up.
VPI is high torque that takes around 1 second.

The drive and vitality will be better with the high torque DD.

Now I am kind of curious what the AA price of this TT will be. It does have my interest.

PM sent

PM reviewed. Mental gymnastics begin.

http://www.smeshko.eu/uploads/images...smeshko.eu.gif

Allow me to help! :D

Is that a smoke behind his ear?

:lol:

Did I read somewhere that VPI will install the cartridge of your choice for you? I searched the AA forum and could not locate this. Was I dreaming? Is this available with this TT?

Yes, that is true; they will install the cartridge of your choice and fully calibrate it.

Just PM me the cartridge of your choice. :ok:

Doing any trade in's for a Prime Signature? :lala:

Feel free to use our Marketplace. ;)

If this sells out quickly I would think VPI could commit to another order of motors for a standard version.

These will begin shipping in Feb 19’

Hi Ivan, can you PM me the AA price? thank you.

Yes, I will. ;)

The AMG isn't direct drive.

So wait, VPI will install it, or VPI will make the dealer install it?

VPI installs, and calibrates it before shipping.

Early orders can request the “Anniversary Badging” be deleted, before the rest of them all receive silk screening.

Are they still shipping in February? This table has piqued my interest but would like to read a trusted review or two before pulling the trigger.