VPI Direct Drive Turntable

It is tough for VPI. I think that if they come out with a brand new DD table that is not based on the Classic, the added cost of design, retooling etc will add up. If you go by cost of parts x 5, the new DD probably would cost much much more than $30,000. Basing it on Classic platform would keep the cost down significantly (not that $30,000 is cheap), I would think. Personally, I think I would prefer DD in Classic platform and stick it on Minus-K for addition $3000 rather than having HW comes up with an entirely new platform which may or may not be as effective as Minus-K and will cost a lot more.

Suteetat, I agree with your assessment on the production side of the turntable. But I was referring to the marketing side of it by suggesting NOT naming it Classic. Instead, just call it "Direct" would have been simpler and more, well, direct. Calling it "VPI Classic Direct" inevitably would lead people to draw comparison to Classic series of tables, which none surpass $10k and then out of nowhere you introduce a $30K table! I just don't think it's wise marketing.

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@ Suteetat

VPI uses NO tooling. Every thing is manufactured outside of VPI. All the VPI factory does is assembly of sourced parts!

They should not have made the DD turntable look like the Classic series. That was a BIG mistake!

They should sell direct to the customer - no middle man taking 30% of the sale price!

No speed adjustment? WTF!

The DD is NO better than the TNT!

It's all about profit not performance.

The DD will bomb.

Don,

Could you define what you mean by "bomb"? They may expect to sell very few units. How many would constitute success in your mind?

Hiho, I understand your point. However I feel that unless VPI changes the look (which means the whole platform), calling it VPI Direct Drive, the sceptics will still not be satisfied and said that it looks like a Classic, a Classic in disguise etc etc. Either way, VPI can't win so might as well being up front. Those that are satisfied will be satisfied either way, those that are not, omitting or not omitting Classic moniker is unlikely to make a difference, I would think.

I wonder, since VPI make this new built in mini automatic SDS-like controller into their new Travellers table, does the DD has something similar built in so there is no need for speed controller?