2. analog
  3. 1411924297

VPI new stuff...

I really like the look of the new Prime table. The return of the separate motor and the inclusion of the 3D tonearm make this an attractive product and given its some what reasonable price by today's standards it appears to be a no brainer.
The new VPI integrated amp with phono stage included @ 4 grand might also be considered a bargain. With its super clean design and the fact that it's made in America make this unit something worth taken a serious look at.
All in all it appears Matt is on the right track.
dreadhead
autospec
482 posts
 
Why is it that VPI in no longer in serviceing there customers ?? I have e-mailed, I have tried to call and get nothing......autospec
don_c55
1,025 posts
 
@ Autospec

VPI's factory repaired my old TNT motor a month ago, so they provide service!

Sad to hear they no longer sell factory direct parts.

Elusive disc has a lot of VPI parts for sale, on their website however.
vpiindustries
18 posts
 
Hi Autospec,

Sorry about it being tough to get a hold of us! We have been extra distracted thanks to the audio shows and had some family issues that have made things a little more crazy than usual. Luckily after Rocky Mountain things should slow down a bit! Best days to call are Thursdays since I have 3 people answering the phones then. Jane and Jason are on the phones Monday through Friday, then we get Shirley on there on Thursdays as well. I'm usually on the phones as well but have been pulled away a lot lately while overseeing the Prime production. I promise we will get to you :)
dodgealum's avatar
dodgealum
1,406 posts
 
Hey Mat: I've been a Scout owner for many years now and nothing has tempted me away from it until I got a glimpse of the Prime. Can I ask two questions?:

1. What is the effective mass of the 3D arm and what would be the optimal compliance range? I've been running an ATOC9MLII on my Scout (which is a wonderful combination) but am trying to determine whether I would need/want to change cartridges if I purchased a Prime.

2. What can you tell us about the outboard motor on the Prime? It looks like the sweet, rugged monster that came with the Aries way back when (my buddy has one)--more robust than the Scout motor (or is it just the casework?)

Anything else you can share about the new Prime would be much appreciated.
slaw's avatar
slaw
22,438 posts
 
I'm a long VPI owner. I've seen this all before. They get you excited about a (new) product, then they change their focus. If one decides to (focus) on one product, by the time that owner needs service, you're out of luck. I read recently that Harry retired.

I'm doing OK making my own (better) products for myself. Although there (are) certain items that need to be outsourced.

OK, think about it. When the Scout was introduced,(I'm only referring to the plinth/base/motor construction... the selling point was that the motor was reposition at the opposite plane from the tonearm, the plinth was more substantial/better isolation, all of this was to address speed stability and resonance control. (more closely resembling direct drive, which they ultimately focused on). Then came the Scout 2 then 3.... All of this kind of put all of their previous designs into the history bins.

All of the sudden, now, we're suppose to believe that we should go back to their previous designs, where there's more chance for speed abnormalities, less solid/resonance dissipating plinth design. Where in the hell does it end.

I love VPI but I wish they were more customer friendly/focused. It seems their profits drive their products.

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