This VPI is the key to the 'Classic' range. This series includes three models that have a number of elements in common that depart from the Scout or HR-X range. The huge motor is built into the plinth instead of being separate like on the Scoutmaster. It has sufficient isolation and damping to ward off vibration from the tonearm and platter. The unipivot tonearm is the 10.5" Classic special edition tonearm. It is a simplified version of the JMW 10.5i that has been modified to allow for rigid mounting to the plinth of the Classic One. It has a very high purity silver-plated copper wire. The solid aluminium platter weighs 8.2 kg and is mounted to an impressive inverted bearing, VPI’s flagship design. The base is made of solid 15 kg MDF material, which has been hollowed out, above which is a steel plate secured with long screws through the plinth and isolated with a silicone seal. The turntable weighs 30 kg and is fully inert to vibrations. The output format is RCA, with XLR available upon request.
The first thing you notice as you lift the vinyl turntable out of its box is the build quality! Its weight and density are impressive. After placing the plinth on a level and hard surface, with platter and belt in place, let's take a closer look at the tonearm… It has an impressive weight and stiffness. The cartridge is quite easy to mount and set up. The lateral adjustment is not all that easy, but with a bit of patience…
From the opening bars we immediately understand why the international press made such a fuss about this VPI! The sense of rhythm is fabulous, the dynamics are amazing. The perspective brings the listener very close to the instruments and musicians. The playing stands out, very authentic and emotional. On French singer Barbara's 'l'Aigle Noir', the voice has amazing presence and subtlety, the drums stand out more than usual and the instruments are extremely detailed. On Harry Belafonte's 'Live in Carnegie hall' (1959), the sound stage is fully three-dimensional and reveals the atmosphere, reverberation and beautiful acoustics of this legendary Manhattan venue. The brass sections have incredible timbre and the silences are pure, with no surface noise interfering. As with all great products, we just couldn't stop playing record after record, getting as excited and thrilled as a kid opening their presents on Christmas day…
So, in a word, this Classic One is definitely one of the best turntables in this segment… A benchmark is born!
AWARDS:
Hi Fi Plus - Turntable of the Year - 2009
The Absolute Sound - Golden Ear Award 2009 & 2010
The Absolute Sound - Editor's Choice Awards 2010 & 2009
Tone Audio Magazine 2012
Image Hi-Fi, Turntable of the Year
Stereophile - Recommended Component (class K)
FranckBelt-driven rigid turntable
9" 230 mm unipivot tonearm
Wow: < 0.02%
Signal-to-noise ratio: > 80 dB
Speed precision: > 0.1%
33/45 rpm by changing the belt pinion
Screw-on record clamp
RCA outputs + ground
Dimensions: 530x400x250 mm
Weight: 29.5 kg
Options: dust cover, cable, SDS
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Customer reviews
Classic mais valeur sûre !
D'abord séduit par son look vintage, puis convaincu par Franck, elle a remplacé une "allemande" reconnue et de même gamme. La première écoute avec une Ortofon Quintet Black S (montée et réglée par Maplatine) répond déjà aux attentes en termes de timbres, de dynamisme et de bande passante (au delà du subjectif). Après 2 semaines de rodage, la messe est dite : elle est et sera ma source unique pour tous les pressages japonais de référence des 70's que je suis en train de me reconstituer !
Un mariage "Classic" qui va perdurer.
j'ai remplacé ma planar 9 par ce montre ! le bras est superbe , et il tient la cellule dans le sillon avec une précision et une fermeté exceptionnelle. Je redécouvre tous mes disques l'un apres l'autre avec un plaisir indescriptible ! le Meilleur investissement depuis trés longtemps ! merci encore !
LA source
Après des années en compagnie d'une vieille dame anglaise mythique et exigeante l'arrivée de cette belle américaine est vraiement un choc..Esthétiquement la platine est splendide.La construction est irréprochable... L'absence de capot est un peu angoissante mais laisse voir le magnifique bras unipivot.
J' ai la chance d'habiter à proximité de ma platine.com et Franck ,le responsable, est venu lui même m'installer la platine réglée aux petits oignons.Compétence conseil et gentillesse au top.
Place à la musique ! Ce qui frappe tout de suite c'est la fluidité de la restitution la dynamique et l'absence de bruit de surface et aussi un grave terrible ,tendu ,profond.Bref un très beau produit.Je n'ai plus qu'à enchainer les galettes pour redécouvrir ma discothèque.