It’s a model and it looks good: the VPI Model One turntable is simply stunning

We are very used to this good looking turntablesso the new model has to be truly spectacular in terms of appearance to catch our attention. And Model One, the new high-end turntable from VPI, definitely blew our minds. It looks absolutely stunning and its specifications are quite unique too.

Model One features a new motor drive and platter module with a 500 rpm belt-driven motor and two-speed pulley. The inverted bearing minimizes contact between it and the platter, reducing friction and increasing efficiency.

The star of the show is the new VPI-S tonearm. The 10-inch statically balanced S-shaped tonearm features a solid aluminum construction that VPI claims eliminates tube resonances, and also features both vertical tracking adjustments in arm base and azimuth adjustment in the head. Once again, fancy bearings come into play: ABEC 5 bearings for very low friction, long life and reduced vibration. A single section of high-purity copper is used from the headstock to the RCA connector, ensuring a clean audio signal.

VPI Model One turntable: key features and prices

In addition to the above improvements, there is also a new 3-point floating suspension system, which VPI says provides “excellent isolation” from external vibrations, minimizing engine noise and reducing vibrations from both internal and external sources.

It’s a high-end turntable whose price puts it firmly in the no-money range, but it can also be easily upgraded: it’s part of the Forever series, which is designed to last as long as the name suggests.

Both the motor drive and platter module are made using a modular design, which means they should be easy to service, adjust, replace or upgrade; VPI promises that future updates or new models will integrate seamlessly with this platform, so you can take a Model One and turn it into a Model Two or Model Three if time, technology and finances allow. For added peace of mind, there’s a 10-year warranty.

The Model One is distributed by Renaissance in the UK and Ireland, where it has an RRP of £4,990 including VAT; in the US it would be $5,250 plus sales tax (that’s about AUD 7,919 or thereabouts). More information can be found at renaissanceaudio.co.uk/vpi.