VPI Signature 21 Turntable

The VPI Signature 21 brings together over 40 years of research and development by the American manufacturer. It represents the flagship of the "Performance" series.

VPI Signature 21: Chassis

The plinth of the VPI Signature 21 consists of two thick, rigid MDF plates separated by a thick solid aluminum plate. This 3-layer sandwich adds significant mass and considerably improves overall rigidity. This design strictly limits vibrations and prevents resonances from reaching the platter or tonearm.
The chassis features a 4-branch "star" shape. At its ends, the plinth rests on four massive VPI HW-40 feet, ensuring perfect mechanical decoupling from the support. The largest cavity on the left houses the imposing drive motor, encapsulated in a solid aluminum cylindrical housing.

VPI Signature 21: Tonearm

The selected tonearm is the new Fatboy Gimbal 10-3D. This 10-inch arm features gimbal pivots and is entirely 3D-printed from Epoxy resin, Delrin, copper, and steel. Internal wiring is handled by the manufacturer using Nordost Reference cables.
This arm includes all standard adjustments: tracking force, azimuth, anti-skating, and VTA. The VTA (Vertical Tracking Angle) is precisely adjustable via the VPI "VTA On The Fly" system. Phono output is located behind the arm base via gold-plated RCA jacks and a ground terminal.

VPI Signature 21: Platter and Drive

The VPI Signature 21 features a solid 12-inch (30.5 cm) aluminum platter weighing 9 kg, paired with a rigid felt mat. The platter sits on an inverted bearing with a bearing ball at the tip.
The aluminum platter is driven by a round-section belt, rotated by a massive motor housed in a heavy-duty stainless steel chassis. This enclosure prevents vibration transfer to the support. Since the motor has no direct contact with the plinth, vibrations are virtually non-existent.
The drive pulley offers two steps for 33 and 45 RPM speeds. The turntable comes with the VPI HR-X mass-aluminum record clamp.

VPI Signature 21: Performance

This turntable offers a perfect balance of design and performance, delivering exceptional sound quality. The bass is precise and punchy, yet nuanced and articulated. Midrange and highs remain extremely balanced and realistic. The VPI Signature 21 is highly revealing of recording quality, offering impressive precision across the entire frequency range.
Across all musical styles, the Signature 21 delivers exceptional performance with stunning dynamics and one of the widest, deepest soundstages we have ever heard. Stability and precision are remarkable. The turntable provides a fatigue-free listening experience with unparalleled musicality. It deserves to be paired with a high-quality low-output MC cartridge and a worthy phono preamplifier.
The VPI Signature 21 is a "reference" in the high-end turntable market.

Highly recommended +++!