VPI Prime Extended turntable

The VPI Prime marked the beginning of a new era for VPI by delivering exceptional performance at its price point. It was the first VPI turntable to be equipped as standard with a 3D Unipivot JMW tonearm.

The Prime Extended builds upon the original concepts while incorporating several modifications and innovations.

VPI PRIME EXTENTED : Chassis

The plinth of the VPI Prime Extended is made of thick, rigid MDF covered in vinyl. To increase rigidity and mass, a steel plate is mounted beneath the chassis. This also helps reduce vibrations and prevent harmful resonances during playback.

The chassis features a four-arm “star” shape. At its extremities, the plinth rests on four massive HW-40 feet, ensuring optimal mechanical decoupling from its support.

A larger cavity on the left side houses the drive motor.

VPI PRIME EXTENTED : Tonearm

The tonearm selected by VPI is the renowned 3D-12 JMW. This 12-inch tonearm features two major characteristics.

First, it uses a unipivot bearing design. Both horizontal and vertical movement rely on a single sharp pivot point resting in a cup within the arm’s bearing housing.

Second, the entire arm is manufactured using 3D printing technology. It is composed of epoxy resin and Delrin. Internal wiring is carried out using copper Litz wire.

The arm provides all essential adjustments: tracking force, azimuth, anti-skating and VTA. The VTA (Vertical Tracking Angle) can be precisely adjusted using VPI’s “VTA On The Fly” system.

The phono cable output is located behind the tonearm base via a pair of gold-plated RCA connectors and a grounding knob.

VPI PRIME EXTENTED : Platter and Drive system

The VPI Prime Extended features a solid aluminum platter measuring 30.5 cm in diameter, with a substantial weight of 9 kg. It is paired with a rigid felt mat.

The platter rests on an inverted bearing with a ball bearing at its tip.

The aluminum platter is belt-driven via a round-section belt powered by a large motor (identical to the Prime 21 motor) housed in a massive stainless steel chassis. This housing prevents vibration transfer to the support and therefore to the turntable and tonearm.

Since the motor does not physically touch the turntable, the only connection between them is the belt, making vibrations virtually nonexistent.

The drive pulley offers two levels for 33 and 45 RPM speeds. The turntable is supplied with a Delrin screw-down clamp.

VPI PRIME EXTENTED : Sound performance

 The sound reproduction is highly dynamic and extremely fast on transients. Dynamics are perfectly conveyed, and the attack of instruments—especially percussion—is reproduced with striking realism.

The VPI Prime Extended delivers powerful and highly articulated bass. Double basses, electric bass and electronic bass lines are reproduced with authority and confidence.

The midrange is highly informative and remains organic and analog-sounding regardless of musical style. The subtlety of reproduction is impressive, particularly in the convincing way voices and strings are rendered. Pianos are magnificent, offering great depth, harmonic richness and remarkable dynamic nuance.

High frequencies are clear, precise and highly realistic, providing an engaging and natural listening experience.

Stereo imaging is equally impressive—consistently wide, deep and remarkably precise.

The VPI Prime Extended combines successful design with advanced technology and high-performance engineering choices. This carefully executed design results in truly exceptional sound reproduction.

Offered at a highly competitive price for its level of performance, the VPI Prime Extended is a remarkable turntable.