VPI Prime 21 Turntable
VPI Prime 21 Turntable
$5,500.00
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Product Description
The VPI Prime 21 is a premium audiophile turntable built around a 20 lb, 12-inch aluminum platter and a substantial vinyl-wrapped MDF-and-steel chassis. Its 10-3D full-gimbal tonearm provides adjustable VTA, azimuth, and counterweight settings for precise cartridge setup. A 300 RPM motor, precision pulley, and published 0.05% wow-and-flutter and speed-accuracy specifications support stable, accurate vinyl playback. Available in black or walnut, the Prime 21 combines high-mass construction, advanced tonearm engineering, and multiple upgrade options for high-performance analog systems.
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Get the Details
Features & Specs
20 lb, 12-Inch Aluminum Platter
The heavyweight aluminum platter provides substantial rotational mass and a solid record-support platform. Its design complements the Prime 21's emphasis on stable, consistent analog playback.
VPI Prime Gimbal 10-3D Tonearm
The 3D-constructed tonearm combines materials including epoxy resin, Delrin, copper, aluminum, and steel. Its full gimbal bearing system provides controlled movement while maintaining precise cartridge geometry.
Optimized Tonearm Geometry
A 258 mm pivot-to-spindle distance, 273.4 mm effective length, 15.4 mm overhang, and 19.98° offset angle define the arm's playback geometry. The published effective mass is 10.2 g.
Extensive Cartridge Adjustment
Adjustable counterweight, VTA, and azimuth side weights allow the tonearm to be configured around cartridge requirements and record geometry. These adjustments provide the flexibility expected from a high-end audiophile turntable.
Precision Motor System
The Prime 21 uses a 300 RPM motor with published pulley accuracy of ±0.0005 inch. VPI publishes wow and flutter and speed accuracy at 0.05% for the Prime 21.
Substantial, Upgradeable Platform
At 44 lb, the vinyl-wrapped MDF-and-steel Prime 21 provides a substantial foundation for the platter and tonearm. Optional Reference Feet, ADS speed control, a Periphery Ring Clamp, and Fatboy tonearms allow the system to evolve further.
Expert Insight
The VPI Prime 21 combines substantial construction, a heavyweight aluminum platter, and an extensively adjustable 3D gimbal tonearm in a premium analog playback platform. Its precision motor system and cartridge-setup flexibility make it well suited to listeners who value careful turntable optimization and high-quality vinyl reproduction. Multiple upgrade options and black or walnut finishes further strengthen its versatility within a serious hi-fi system.
Derek Munthe
Assistant Brand Manager
Details
VPI Prime 21 Turntable
The VPI Prime 21 Turntable refines VPI's established Prime platform with a substantial high-mass design, precision drive system, and highly adjustable 3D-printed tonearm engineered for serious vinyl playback. Its vinyl-wrapped MDF-and-steel chassis supports a 12-inch, 20 lb aluminum platter, creating a stable foundation for records, while the 300 RPM motor and precision-machined pulley are designed for consistent rotational performance. The included VPI Prime Gimbal 10-3D tonearm uses a full gimbal bearing system, VPI copper-weave internal wiring, and a 3D-constructed arm structure using materials including epoxy resin, Delrin, copper, aluminum, and steel. Adjustable counterweight, azimuth side weights, and VTA give listeners extensive cartridge setup control, while a Lemo connection provides a high-quality tonearm interface. Published Prime 21 specifications include 0.05% wow and flutter, 0.05% speed accuracy, and rumble rated 80 dB down. Available in black or walnut, the Prime 21 combines heavyweight construction, precise setup capability, and an upgrade-friendly architecture for high-performance analog audio systems.
What It's Good At:
- Stable, high-mass vinyl playback: The 20 lb, 12-inch aluminum platter provides substantial rotational mass for stable record playback.
- Precise cartridge setup: Adjustable VTA, counterweight, and azimuth side weights provide extensive control over cartridge alignment and tracking geometry.
- Low-noise analog performance: Published specifications include 0.05% wow and flutter and rumble rated 80 dB down.
- High-performance tonearm engineering: The 10-3D tonearm combines a full gimbal bearing, 3D construction, VPI copper-weave internal wiring, and a 10.2 g effective mass.
- Rigid, substantial construction: A vinyl-wrapped MDF-and-steel chassis and 44 lb total weight create a solid foundation for the platter and tonearm.
- Expandable high-end system design: Optional upgrades include a Periphery Ring Clamp, Analog Drive System, Reference Feet, and Fatboy Tonearm options.
VPI Prime 21 Turntable Full Specifications:
- Product: VPI Prime 21 Turntable
- Available Finishes: Black and walnut
- Chassis Composition: Vinyl-wrapped MDF and steel
- Platter: 12-inch aluminum
- Platter Weight: 20 lb
- Included Tonearm: JMW-10-3D as listed in the Prime 21 technical specifications
- Tonearm Model Heading: VPI Prime Gimbal 10-3D
- Tonearm Bearing: Full gimbal bearing
- Internal Tonearm Wire: VPI copper weave
- Pivot-to-Spindle Distance: 258 mm
- Effective Tonearm Length: 273.4 mm
- Effective Tonearm Mass: 10.2 g
- Overhang: 15.4 mm
- Offset Angle: 19.98 degrees
- Average RMS Distortion: 0.31%
- Tonearm Materials: 3D technology consisting of, but not limited to, epoxy resin and Delrin materials, copper, aluminum, and steel
- Tonearm Adjustments/Features: Adjustable counterweight, azimuth side weights, VTA, and Lemo connection
- Motor Speed: 300 RPM
- Playback Speeds Referenced in Linked Prime Manual: 33 RPM and 45 RPM, selected by belt position on the pulley
- Motor Pulley Accuracy: +/- 0.0005 inch
- Wow and Flutter: 0.05%
- Speed Accuracy: 0.05%
- Rumble: 80 dB down
- Footprint: 19 1/2 x 13 3/4 inches
- Overall Size: 21 3/8 x 15 3/4 inches
- Total Weight: 44 lb
- Manual-Listed Shipping Weight: 54 lb
- Manual-Listed Platter Runout: +/- 0.001 inch
- Packing-List Power Cord: 110V only, as specified in the linked Prime manual
- Included Items Listed in Linked Prime Manual: Prime chassis, stainless steel/Delrin clamp, azimuth rod, gauge, motor, instruction manual, flash drive, drive belt, power cord, alignment jig, platter, 3D tonearm, and isolation feet
- Available Upgrade - Periphery Ring Clamp: Designed to improve record-warp reduction and cartridge longevity
- Available Upgrade - Analog Drive System (ADS): Designed to improve speed adjustment and accuracy
- Available Upgrade - Reference Feet: Designed to improve isolation and reduce noise between musical passages
- Available Upgrade - Fatboy Tonearm: Available in gimbal or unipivot configurations as listed by VPI
VPI Prime 21 Turntable Q&A:
- What type of tonearm comes with the VPI Prime 21?
- The Prime 21 product page identifies its tonearm as the VPI Prime Gimbal 10-3D, featuring a full gimbal bearing system. The technical specification section also refers to the included arm as the JMW-10-3D.
- How heavy is the VPI Prime 21 platter?
- The Prime 21 uses a 12-inch aluminum platter weighing 20 lb, providing substantial rotational mass for stable vinyl playback.
- Can the VPI Prime 21 play both 33 RPM and 45 RPM records?
- Yes. The linked Prime manual describes 33 RPM and 45 RPM operation, with playback speed selected by positioning the drive belt on the appropriate section of the motor pulley.
- What tonearm adjustments does the Prime 21 provide?
- The tonearm provides an adjustable counterweight, azimuth side weights, and VTA adjustment, allowing cartridge tracking and geometry to be fine-tuned. It also incorporates a Lemo connection.
- What are the dimensions and weight of the VPI Prime 21?
- Its published footprint is 19 1/2 x 13 3/4 inches, with an overall size of 21 3/8 x 15 3/4 inches. The turntable weighs 44 lb.
- What finishes are available for the VPI Prime 21?
- VPI lists the Prime 21 as available in black and walnut, allowing it to complement both contemporary and traditional audio systems.
- Does the VPI Prime 21 include a cartridge?
- The Prime 21 product page specifies an included tonearm but does not state that a cartridge is included with the standard Prime 21 configuration. Cartridge inclusion should be confirmed for the specific package being purchased.
- What upgrades are available for the VPI Prime 21?
- VPI lists a Periphery Ring Clamp, Analog Drive System, Reference Feet, and Fatboy Tonearm among the available upgrade options, providing paths for further isolation, speed control, record flattening, and tonearm customization.
VPI Prime 21 Turntable Downloads:
Reviews
Product Description
Product Description
The VPI Prime 21 is a premium audiophile turntable built around a 20 lb, 12-inch aluminum platter and a substantial vinyl-wrapped MDF-and-steel chassis. Its 10-3D full-gimbal tonearm provides adjustable VTA, azimuth, and counterweight settings for precise cartridge setup. A 300 RPM motor, precision pulley, and published 0.05% wow-and-flutter and speed-accuracy specifications support stable, accurate vinyl playback. Available in black or walnut, the Prime 21 combines high-mass construction, advanced tonearm engineering, and multiple upgrade options for high-performance analog systems.
Get the Details
Get the Details
Features & Specs
Features & Specs
20 lb, 12-Inch Aluminum Platter
The heavyweight aluminum platter provides substantial rotational mass and a solid record-support platform. Its design complements the Prime 21's emphasis on stable, consistent analog playback.
VPI Prime Gimbal 10-3D Tonearm
The 3D-constructed tonearm combines materials including epoxy resin, Delrin, copper, aluminum, and steel. Its full gimbal bearing system provides controlled movement while maintaining precise cartridge geometry.
Optimized Tonearm Geometry
A 258 mm pivot-to-spindle distance, 273.4 mm effective length, 15.4 mm overhang, and 19.98° offset angle define the arm's playback geometry. The published effective mass is 10.2 g.
Extensive Cartridge Adjustment
Adjustable counterweight, VTA, and azimuth side weights allow the tonearm to be configured around cartridge requirements and record geometry. These adjustments provide the flexibility expected from a high-end audiophile turntable.
Precision Motor System
The Prime 21 uses a 300 RPM motor with published pulley accuracy of ±0.0005 inch. VPI publishes wow and flutter and speed accuracy at 0.05% for the Prime 21.
Substantial, Upgradeable Platform
At 44 lb, the vinyl-wrapped MDF-and-steel Prime 21 provides a substantial foundation for the platter and tonearm. Optional Reference Feet, ADS speed control, a Periphery Ring Clamp, and Fatboy tonearms allow the system to evolve further.
Expert Insight
Expert Insight
The VPI Prime 21 combines substantial construction, a heavyweight aluminum platter, and an extensively adjustable 3D gimbal tonearm in a premium analog playback platform. Its precision motor system and cartridge-setup flexibility make it well suited to listeners who value careful turntable optimization and high-quality vinyl reproduction. Multiple upgrade options and black or walnut finishes further strengthen its versatility within a serious hi-fi system.
Derek Munthe
Assistant Brand Manager
Details
Details
VPI Prime 21 Turntable
The VPI Prime 21 Turntable refines VPI's established Prime platform with a substantial high-mass design, precision drive system, and highly adjustable 3D-printed tonearm engineered for serious vinyl playback. Its vinyl-wrapped MDF-and-steel chassis supports a 12-inch, 20 lb aluminum platter, creating a stable foundation for records, while the 300 RPM motor and precision-machined pulley are designed for consistent rotational performance. The included VPI Prime Gimbal 10-3D tonearm uses a full gimbal bearing system, VPI copper-weave internal wiring, and a 3D-constructed arm structure using materials including epoxy resin, Delrin, copper, aluminum, and steel. Adjustable counterweight, azimuth side weights, and VTA give listeners extensive cartridge setup control, while a Lemo connection provides a high-quality tonearm interface. Published Prime 21 specifications include 0.05% wow and flutter, 0.05% speed accuracy, and rumble rated 80 dB down. Available in black or walnut, the Prime 21 combines heavyweight construction, precise setup capability, and an upgrade-friendly architecture for high-performance analog audio systems.
What It's Good At:
- Stable, high-mass vinyl playback: The 20 lb, 12-inch aluminum platter provides substantial rotational mass for stable record playback.
- Precise cartridge setup: Adjustable VTA, counterweight, and azimuth side weights provide extensive control over cartridge alignment and tracking geometry.
- Low-noise analog performance: Published specifications include 0.05% wow and flutter and rumble rated 80 dB down.
- High-performance tonearm engineering: The 10-3D tonearm combines a full gimbal bearing, 3D construction, VPI copper-weave internal wiring, and a 10.2 g effective mass.
- Rigid, substantial construction: A vinyl-wrapped MDF-and-steel chassis and 44 lb total weight create a solid foundation for the platter and tonearm.
- Expandable high-end system design: Optional upgrades include a Periphery Ring Clamp, Analog Drive System, Reference Feet, and Fatboy Tonearm options.
VPI Prime 21 Turntable Full Specifications:
- Product: VPI Prime 21 Turntable
- Available Finishes: Black and walnut
- Chassis Composition: Vinyl-wrapped MDF and steel
- Platter: 12-inch aluminum
- Platter Weight: 20 lb
- Included Tonearm: JMW-10-3D as listed in the Prime 21 technical specifications
- Tonearm Model Heading: VPI Prime Gimbal 10-3D
- Tonearm Bearing: Full gimbal bearing
- Internal Tonearm Wire: VPI copper weave
- Pivot-to-Spindle Distance: 258 mm
- Effective Tonearm Length: 273.4 mm
- Effective Tonearm Mass: 10.2 g
- Overhang: 15.4 mm
- Offset Angle: 19.98 degrees
- Average RMS Distortion: 0.31%
- Tonearm Materials: 3D technology consisting of, but not limited to, epoxy resin and Delrin materials, copper, aluminum, and steel
- Tonearm Adjustments/Features: Adjustable counterweight, azimuth side weights, VTA, and Lemo connection
- Motor Speed: 300 RPM
- Playback Speeds Referenced in Linked Prime Manual: 33 RPM and 45 RPM, selected by belt position on the pulley
- Motor Pulley Accuracy: +/- 0.0005 inch
- Wow and Flutter: 0.05%
- Speed Accuracy: 0.05%
- Rumble: 80 dB down
- Footprint: 19 1/2 x 13 3/4 inches
- Overall Size: 21 3/8 x 15 3/4 inches
- Total Weight: 44 lb
- Manual-Listed Shipping Weight: 54 lb
- Manual-Listed Platter Runout: +/- 0.001 inch
- Packing-List Power Cord: 110V only, as specified in the linked Prime manual
- Included Items Listed in Linked Prime Manual: Prime chassis, stainless steel/Delrin clamp, azimuth rod, gauge, motor, instruction manual, flash drive, drive belt, power cord, alignment jig, platter, 3D tonearm, and isolation feet
- Available Upgrade - Periphery Ring Clamp: Designed to improve record-warp reduction and cartridge longevity
- Available Upgrade - Analog Drive System (ADS): Designed to improve speed adjustment and accuracy
- Available Upgrade - Reference Feet: Designed to improve isolation and reduce noise between musical passages
- Available Upgrade - Fatboy Tonearm: Available in gimbal or unipivot configurations as listed by VPI
VPI Prime 21 Turntable Q&A:
- What type of tonearm comes with the VPI Prime 21?
- The Prime 21 product page identifies its tonearm as the VPI Prime Gimbal 10-3D, featuring a full gimbal bearing system. The technical specification section also refers to the included arm as the JMW-10-3D.
- How heavy is the VPI Prime 21 platter?
- The Prime 21 uses a 12-inch aluminum platter weighing 20 lb, providing substantial rotational mass for stable vinyl playback.
- Can the VPI Prime 21 play both 33 RPM and 45 RPM records?
- Yes. The linked Prime manual describes 33 RPM and 45 RPM operation, with playback speed selected by positioning the drive belt on the appropriate section of the motor pulley.
- What tonearm adjustments does the Prime 21 provide?
- The tonearm provides an adjustable counterweight, azimuth side weights, and VTA adjustment, allowing cartridge tracking and geometry to be fine-tuned. It also incorporates a Lemo connection.
- What are the dimensions and weight of the VPI Prime 21?
- Its published footprint is 19 1/2 x 13 3/4 inches, with an overall size of 21 3/8 x 15 3/4 inches. The turntable weighs 44 lb.
- What finishes are available for the VPI Prime 21?
- VPI lists the Prime 21 as available in black and walnut, allowing it to complement both contemporary and traditional audio systems.
- Does the VPI Prime 21 include a cartridge?
- The Prime 21 product page specifies an included tonearm but does not state that a cartridge is included with the standard Prime 21 configuration. Cartridge inclusion should be confirmed for the specific package being purchased.
- What upgrades are available for the VPI Prime 21?
- VPI lists a Periphery Ring Clamp, Analog Drive System, Reference Feet, and Fatboy Tonearm among the available upgrade options, providing paths for further isolation, speed control, record flattening, and tonearm customization.
VPI Prime 21 Turntable Downloads:
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