VPI's new "Vanquish" Ultra High-End turntable is a STUNNER!

I gave specific examples of why I rated my own VPI tables as very good but not great.  The latest one discussed here may have solved the vibration problem or not.  The VPI arm may or may not be lacking in high end qualities, especially in the bass performance.  Overall, I've had no trouble with the two tables and VPI 16 RCM once they were set up to maximize their capabilities.  

roxy, from a practical standpoint turntables are all about listening to records. There are much less expensive turntables that are going to do the job better than this thing. If you want to buy a statement turntable I think the Clearaudio Statement is way cooler with its pendulum system. I also think it is just as silly (really do not like the arm.) If it is artwork you are after then buy art. It will probably be worth a lot more in the end. 
I have a tendency to think these things are all about ego. You see the same sort of behavior with cars. 

My friend and I heard the Clearaudio Statement V2 or another by them which was $120,000 back in 2016 about at a show.  We were not impressed.  However, I've read reviews that just the center weight makes a huge difference.  Maybe, but what we heard wasn't worth it and certainly took up too much real estate.

I was at CAF, and talked to Harry about this new table.  First, its is not an Aluminum-Lucite-Aluminum layer, it is Stainless-Aluminum-Stainless, with the concept being to concentrate the plinth mass close to the Platter.  So, the arm-boards, being the same construction while being cantilevered are massively stiff.  Machining stainless steel is a whole other league from aluminum.  The platter is magnetically coupled and levitated.  The motor is not the HW-40, it is is a very different (new) design, with a very low current in-rush.  So, this is not some multi-  motor belt design, and if you have ever read the of Basis design, you should know of their near heroic efforts just to machine a very high tolerance rubber belt.  The coloring is of course quite bold, and has obviously drawn the ire of some.  But, from a technical and engineering standpoint, there appears to be a lot going on, but it is not all visually apparent, and to disclose all the details, risks disclosing a lot of intellectual property; a bit of a Catch-22.  

"Granted, 10K (the actual starting price of Rolex’s after sales tax) is high, but the quality of materials, finish, and the built-in-house movement set them apart from all but their very finest competitors. No $800 divers watch with a mechanical movement is master chronometer certified. "

The Rolex is not even close to being worth what they are asking. I had a Submariner, sold it, kept my omega, which has a much better movement. All you have to do is put the two watches next to each other. If you into status symbols, by all means Rolex. If you are into watches, Omega or even a Grand Seiko is a better watch for the money.