VPI Prime 21 Turntable

The manufacturer proudly states that the Prime 21 turntable is carefully packaged and can be then removed from their box, calibrated, and connected in under twenty minutes. The essence here is that you don’t require any specialist hi-fi assembly skills – just the tools supplied. Additionally, you also get a USB stick containing a set-up tutorial video for those who need a little guidance.

The VPI 21 turntables feature a new aluminium top plate that braces the 53mm thick turntable chassis to deaden any unwanted resonance. Also, the addition of high mass aluminium casework to the motor improves its damping for a steadier performance, says VPI. Furthermore, there is an all-new 10.5-inch 3D-printed tonearm which is pre-mounted.

The famed unipivot of the earlier Prime models has been replaced by a new gimbal system. Finally, you may have noticed that the isolation feet have been borrowed from the anniversary edition HW40 turntable (RRP £15,000).

The Prime 21+ model adds to the list a VPI Shyla cartridge (custom made by Audio Technica) and the VPI Weisline tonearm cable (manufactured by Nordost), to the bundle to get owners off to the best possible start. Both the 21 and 21+ comes with a clamp constructed from stainless steel and Delrin.

The result of the redesigned deck and upgraded components is a more musically engaging and expansive performance, with deeper bass, according to the New Jersey company.