The VPI Avenger Direct Turntable is a high-end direct-drive turntable engineered for accurate 33 and 45 RPM vinyl playback, fast speed acquisition, and extensive system flexibility. Its included JMW-12 Fatboy Gimbal tonearm combines full-gimbal support, VTA and azimuth adjustment, Nordost Reference wiring, and advanced 3D construction. A substantial aluminum-and-acrylic chassis, heavy aluminum platter, and 2,500-pulse-per-revolution speed monitoring provide a precision-focused foundation for premium analog systems. Expandability for up to three tonearms, third-party armboards, and optional pneumatic isolation feet makes the Avenger Direct well suited to evolving audiophile setups.
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VPI Avenger Direct Turntable

The VPI Avenger Direct Turntable combines VPI's modular Avenger tripod chassis with the company's direct-drive technology to create a reference-level analog playback platform built for precision, flexibility, and system growth. Its direct-drive motor is housed in an engineered, machined vented enclosure and supports both 33 and 45 RPM playback, with speed monitoring at 2,500 pulses per revolution and approximately one-second start/stop operation. The substantial aluminum-and-acrylic chassis is paired with a heavy 12-inch aluminum platter to promote stable vinyl playback, while the included JMW-12 Fatboy Gimbal tonearm offers full-gimbal support, VTA adjustment, azimuth adjustment, Nordost Reference internal wiring, and a 3D-engineered arm structure.

Designed as an expandable audiophile turntable, the Avenger platform can accommodate up to three tonearms, including compatible third-party arms with optional armboards. That flexibility makes it possible to configure multiple cartridges or tonearm combinations without replacing the core turntable. VPI also supplies key setup accessories such as an alignment jig, digital force gauge, Signature center weight, periphery ring clamp, counterweight, finger lift, dust cover, and power cord.

What It's Good At:

• High-precision direct-drive vinyl playback: Direct-drive architecture delivers rapid speed acquisition, with approximately one-second acceleration and deceleration.
• Stable speed control: Speed monitoring operates at 2,500 pulses per revolution, while the manual specifies 0.01% speed accuracy and less than 0.008% wow and flutter.
• Premium tonearm performance: The included JMW-12 Fatboy Gimbal provides a full-gimbal bearing system, VTA adjustment, azimuth control, and Nordost Reference internal wiring.
• Multi-tonearm flexibility: The Avenger chassis is designed to support as many as three tonearms and can accommodate compatible third-party arms with optional armboards.
• Substantial mechanical construction: An aluminum-and-machined-acrylic chassis and heavy aluminum platter provide a robust foundation for serious analog systems.
• Upgradeable system design: Available upgrades include additional tonearms, third-party armboards, and pneumatic air-suspension feet.

VPI Avenger Direct Turntable Full Specifications:

• Product: VPI Avenger Direct Turntable
• Turntable Architecture: Avenger tripod chassis with direct-drive technology
• Motor Type: Direct drive
• Motor Enclosure: Engineered and machined vented casing
• Playback Speeds: 33 RPM and 45 RPM
• Motor Torque: 2.68 Nm/sec, as listed by VPI
• Start/Stop Time: Approximately 1 second
• Speed Monitoring: 2,500 pulses per revolution
• Speed Accuracy: 0.01%
• Wow and Flutter: Less than 0.008%
• Chassis Composition: Aluminum and machined acrylic
• Manual Chassis Description: Acrylic, aluminum, and acrylic
• Platter: 12-inch aluminum platter
• Platter Weight: 25 lb on the current product page
• Manual Platter Specification: 12-inch aluminum platter, 29 lb
• Included Tonearm: JMW-12 Fatboy Gimbal
• Manual Tonearm Description: Fatboy Gimbal with VTA on the Fly
• Tonearm Bearing Type: Full gimbal bearing
• Tonearm Pivot-to-Spindle Distance: 300 mm
• Tonearm Effective Length: 313.0 mm
• Tonearm Effective Mass: 12.5 g
• Tonearm Overhang: 13 mm
• Tonearm Offset Angle: 17.37 degrees
• Average RMS Distortion: 0.267%
• Tonearm Internal Wire: Nordost Reference Wire
• Tonearm Construction: 3D technology incorporating materials including epoxy resin, Delrin, copper, aluminum, and steel
• Tonearm Adjustments and Features: Adjustable drop counterweight, azimuth side weights, VTA, and LEMO connection
• 3D Tonearm Properties: Heat resistant and UV-light resistant; extreme heat exposure is not recommended
• Tonearm Capacity: Up to three tonearms
• Third-Party Tonearm Support: Optional armboards available
• Peak Power Consumption: 30 W
• Power Input: 115/230 VAC using supplied IEC-type power cord
• Power-On Initialization: Approximately 8 seconds before the illuminated stop switch becomes active
• Footprint: 21¾ x 16¾ in.
• Manual Metric Footprint: Printed as 55.24 x 42.54 mm; these numerical values correspond to centimeter conversions of the stated inch dimensions
• Overall Dimensions: 22 x 17 x 10 in.
• Manual Metric Overall Dimensions: Printed as 55.88 x 43.18 x 25.4 mm; these numerical values correspond to centimeter conversions of the stated inch dimensions
• Current Product Page Total Weight: 70 lb
• Manual Minimum-Specification Weight: 60 lb
• Manual Setup Weight Statement: More than 70 lb with the platter installed
• Recommended Break-In Period: At least 20 hours
• Included: Avenger Direct chassis
• Included: Avenger Direct platter
• Included: Dust cover
• Included: Screws
• Included: Signature center weight
• Included: Periphery ring clamp
• Included: Counterweight
• Included: Finger lift
• Included: Power cord
• Included: Alignment jig
• Included: Force gauge

VPI Avenger Direct Turntable Q&A:

What playback speeds does the VPI Avenger Direct support?

The Avenger Direct supports both 33 RPM and 45 RPM vinyl playback. Its direct-drive system reaches operating speed in approximately one second and can also stop the platter in about one second.

Which tonearm comes with the VPI Avenger Direct?

It includes the JMW-12 Fatboy Gimbal tonearm, featuring a full-gimbal bearing design, 313 mm effective length, 12.5 g effective mass, VTA adjustment, azimuth adjustment, and Nordost Reference internal wiring.

Can the Avenger Direct be configured with more than one tonearm?

Yes. The Avenger chassis is designed to accept up to three tonearms, and optional armboards allow compatible third-party tonearms to be incorporated into the system.

How accurate is the VPI Avenger Direct's speed control?

The manual specifies 0.01% speed accuracy and less than 0.008% wow and flutter, while the turntable monitors speed at 2,500 pulses per revolution.

How large and heavy is the VPI Avenger Direct?

Its footprint is 21¾ x 16¾ inches, with overall dimensions of 22 x 17 x 10 inches. VPI's current product page lists a 70 lb total weight, while the manual contains a 60 lb minimum-specification figure and separately notes that the turntable weighs more than 70 lb with the platter installed.

What accessories are included with the Avenger Direct?

The supplied equipment includes the chassis, platter, dust cover, screws, Signature center weight, periphery ring clamp, counterweight, finger lift, power cord, alignment jig, and force gauge.

What power does the VPI Avenger Direct require?

The supplied IEC power cord connects to a 115/230 VAC power source, and the manual specifies peak power consumption of 30 watts. An approximately eight-second initialization period occurs after main power is switched on.