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

At this level, I don't understand VPI's failure to design around two inherent compromises that VPI is infamous for implementing; 1) a junction box instead of continuous wiring from cartridge pins to connector of choice and 2) ridiculously lengthy armboards cantilevered from the plinth. 
As to 2), I don't care how thick the aluminum or alloy or whatever the armboard is constructed of, I don't care how tightly and securely it is clamped to the plinth, it will be susceptible to resonance that would not be present with a better design. 
When one looks at how the expense of production is allocated, I see bling predominating over ultimate performance.

Hmm...I'm a VPI fan, I have no desire to replace my aging Classic.

There are features/innovations that appear interesting, but the aesthetic is tired. Yawn. Stand Looks like an over grown Ares plinth. I'll take the table minus the stand. Is that look popular with the mega buck crowd? My order would request no red embellishment. Slightly cheesy.

14" plasticky tonearm on a high end table.I'd like to see an innovative linear tracker with a built in,ultra silent pump system for the air. 

I like the DD mag setup. At this level, you shouldn't see belts. Did I see blue lights around the buttons of the control box? I would tell VPI to loose that idea. Another tired aesthetic touch. Sooo 1990's. 
Pass on the matched red anodized control box and phonostage.

The presentation reminds me of the Clearaudio statement.

Armchair analysis over. I'm sure it sounds fabulous. I've heard enough VPI rigs with various carts to say they can play "with the big boys.

fsonicsmith

At this level, I don’t understand VPI’s failure to design around two inherent compromises that VPI is infamous for implementing; 1) a junction box instead of continuous wiring from cartridge pins to connector of choice ...

My understanding is that the Vanquish does not use a junction box, but instead has concealed wiring and a built-in phono stage. So you might want to check your facts on that.

I don’t care how thick the aluminum or alloy or whatever the armboard is constructed of, I don’t care how tightly and securely it is clamped to the plinth, it will be susceptible to resonance that would not be present with a better design ...

While that seems intuitively true, I’ve actually heard how these turntables and armboards work, and it was v-e-r-y impressive with no audible hint of resonance.

maybe a better name is ’The Harlot’? :-)

who would want that thing in their room? hopefully there are choices for the accent color. or maybe VPI visits different customer rooms than i’ve ever seen. i can’t recall a room where that would look right.

i guess it’s possible that in person it has an elegance that pictures completely miss.

and i’m a guy with expensive red and gold anodized amps and preamp.......so i am open to the color red. but with an ’elegant’ sort of feel. my darTZeel’s are not universally loved for their look. but this one takes that over-the-top.

seriously; i’m sure it will be a strong performer as VPI is a competent company. do they have the musical vision to play in that league? maybe they do. i love my direct drive Wave Kinetics NVS sitting on an active platform......so a big direct drive on it’s own rack appeals to me. like my gone for 8 years now Rockport Sirius III. i hope it’s wonderful sounding as we can always use another top flight turntable. and most all the other ’over’ 6 figure tt’s are belt driven.

will the market ’buy' an ’uber’ tt with the VPI brand? it’s a question. it will have to be more than very good. i do give VPI lots of credit for being all-in on this tt thing we all like.

i hopefully will hear it at Axpona.

I'm about to jump in my car to drive to the CAF.  I'll see it in person, I guess.