VPI Classic Direct

[lakesailor]

Originally Posted by jdandy

Ivan.......I was just researching this turntable earlier today. It looks good, I like the direct drive platter but I am not drawn by the 3D printed tonearm or the stiff $30K price tag. When you consider the VPI Classic 3 with their JMW-Classic tonearm with Valhalla wiring and their Ring Clamp and HR-X weight can be purchased as a package deal for $6K, I have to ask where in the world is the other $24K going? There is serious competition at that price point with phenomenal tonearms.

+100 Bang on comment Dan.

[BillK]

Originally Posted by jdandy

Myles.......No one said anything about being ripped. I know VPI is solid. Just curious where the other $24K is hidden since it's not apparent from the outside.

From what I've been told VPI's cost for the motor is well into five figures.

They didn't just copy a Technics SL-1200 II.

[turntable]

Direct Drive done correctly is a kick arse solution

I am sure the VPI have done their due diligence to ensure that the Direct classic is easily their best table and potentially one of the best tables available at any price.

However having it look virtually the same as the $3k Classic does them no favours in the " pride " of ownership thing. For 30k statement piece you would some differences outside as well as inside.

Please please VPI , at least get rid of the pugly fat feet - they just look totally wrong on a 30k turntable.

That said, I would love to hear the Classic Direct given the tremendoud performance I get from the Pioneer Exclusive P3 DD turntable

[djwhog]

does seem like a huge price jump from the classic 2 & 3 lines. I too want to know where the 24k is at?

Other than that I love the look Ivan, sure it performs well too

[1KW]

I agree with Dan about the price which is just plain crazy. I had a technic direct drive turntable that was under $500. Not that it matters what I think, but I don't believe that the direct drive motor is $4000.

[jdandy]

I do like a direct drive turntable. My Micro Seiki DD-40 with the ma505 tonearm is still performing flawlessly and it is 33 years old. These are recent photos of the Micro Seiki DD-40 when I installed the Ortofon Cadenza Blue moving coil cartridge. I have never had a single issue with this turntable in all those years and it still sounds fabulous, even compared to my Michell Gyro SE with the SME309 tonearm. I am pleased to see direct drive turntables making a comeback.

[Myles B. Astor]

Originally Posted by 1KW

I agree with Dan about the price which is just plain crazy. I had a technic direct drive turntable that was under $500. Not that it matters what I think, but I don't believe that the direct drive motor is $4000.

It is believe it or not. Plus you got the electronics and power supply for the drive system, not to mention the bearing and arm too. Why don't you ask Steve Dobbins why his Beat table is 25K? It's based on a Technics SP10 Mk.3 table. Listen guys and gals. Putting out an expensive table was the last thing Harry wanted to do. It went against his basic grain, nature and his great bang for the buck products. But he had so many requests over the years from customers, dealers, etc. for him to design a table that was the very best he could do that he couldn't ignore it. The Direct embodies everything that Harry thinks is important in playing records (at least for the moment as we are always learning new things ) And the first couple of runs are already spoken for. No, the Direct is not for everybody, but for those there are the other tables in the VPI line. And the Direct doesn't diminish the value of his other products.

And as we all know the proof is in the listening. DD tables have some unique qualities and an argument could be made that the older DD tables didn't pass muster not because of the technology but the execution. I thinks that's born out by listening to several DD tables such as the Rockport, NVS, The Beat and now VPI tables. Speed kills not just on the road but in the turntable grooves too.

[jdandy]

Myles.......I'll be looking forward to your review of the VPI Direct Classic. Even more than the drive system, I am curious about the 3D printed tonearm.

[Myles B. Astor]

Originally Posted by jdandy

Myles.......I'll be looking forward to your review of the VPI Direct Classic. Even more than the drive system, I am curious about the 3D printed tonearm.

I am too. I've heard the 3D arm at VPI's and also a friends but not at home. The Classic Direct plus Hyperion 2 acquitted themselves well in Jeff Joseph's room at RMAF. What I'm most interested in also is hearing the 12 inch arm. Years ago I had the 12 inch arm but when I switched tables, the Superscoutmaster could only accommodate the 10.5 arm I've always felt that all things being equal that a 12 inch arm was as close to a linear tracker as I've experienced without the straight line trackers drawbacks and a little more low end. OTOH, not as much spatiality or upper octave extension.

Oh and you'll see a phono cable survey shortly with some surprises!

[BillK]

I'd love to give the 3D arm a shot myself but I just upgraded to the 10.5" Classic arm on my Super Scoutmaster last December and annual arm upgrades are a bit much (especially after purchasing the Lyra Atlas that's mounted on it. )