The VPI Signature 21 turntable is a premium audiophile record player featuring a 20 lb aluminum platter, substantial 66 lb construction, and precision belt-drive system. Its VPI Fatboy Gimbal 10-3D tonearm combines Nordost Reference internal wiring with adjustable VTA, azimuth, and counterweight settings for detailed cartridge setup. The precision 300 RPM motor supports both 33 and 45 RPM playback while delivering published wow and flutter of 0.03% and speed accuracy of 0.04%. With premium aluminum, stainless-steel, MDF, and 3D-technology construction plus multiple available upgrades, the Signature 21 provides a sophisticated foundation for a high-end vinyl playback system.
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VPI Signature 21 Turntable

The VPI Signature 21 Turntable combines premium materials, precision engineering, and VPI's decades of analog design experience in a high-end turntable built for serious vinyl playback. Its substantial chassis uses vinyl-wrapped MDF with aluminum and stainless-steel elements, while the massive 12-inch, 20 lb aluminum platter provides a stable rotational platform engineered to reduce unwanted resonance and support consistent playback. The Signature 21 uses an external 300 RPM motor with a precision-machined pulley, belt-drive operation, and selectable 33 and 45 RPM speeds for standard LP and single playback.

At the heart of the current Signature 21 configuration is VPI's Fatboy Gimbal 10-3D tonearm, featuring a full gimbal bearing, 3D-technology arm construction, Nordost Reference internal wiring, adjustable counterweight, azimuth adjustment, VTA capability, and a Lemo connection. Its 273.4 mm effective length, 10.7 g effective mass, and precision geometry are designed to provide accurate cartridge tracking while giving enthusiasts the adjustability required for careful cartridge setup.

With a 66 lb total weight, heavy platter, precision motor system, substantial chassis, and upgrade path that includes accessories such as the Periphery Ring Clamp, Reference Feet, and Analog Drive System, the VPI Signature 21 is engineered as a premium audiophile turntable platform that can be refined as a vinyl system evolves. A limited-edition Rosewood version is also listed by VPI.

What It's Good At:

• Creating a stable playback platform: The 20 lb aluminum platter and substantial 66 lb turntable construction help provide the mass and stability expected from a high-end analog source.
• Precise cartridge tracking: The Fatboy Gimbal 10-3D tonearm combines a full gimbal bearing with carefully specified geometry and extensive cartridge-adjustment capability.
• Fine-tuning cartridge setup: Adjustable VTA, counterweight, azimuth side weights, and supplied alignment tools give enthusiasts control over critical cartridge parameters.
• Reducing unwanted noise and vibration: The chassis construction, motor arrangement, isolation feet, and available Reference Feet provide multiple approaches to controlling mechanical energy.
• Playing both major vinyl speeds: A two-step motor pulley enables straightforward belt positioning for 33 and 45 RPM records.
• Supporting future system upgrades: Optional VPI accessories provide paths for improving record flattening, isolation, and electronic speed control.

VPI Signature 21 Turntable Full Specifications:

• Product: VPI Signature 21 Turntable
• Drive System: Belt drive
• Playback Speeds: 33 RPM and 45 RPM
• Speed Selection: Two-step motor pulley with manual belt positioning
• Chassis Composition: Vinyl-wrapped MDF with aluminum and stainless-steel elements
• Platter: 12-inch aluminum platter
• Platter Weight: 20 lbs
• Included Tonearm: VPI Fatboy Gimbal 10-3D
• Motor Speed: 300 RPM
• Motor Pulley Accuracy: +/- 0.0005 inch
• Wow and Flutter: 0.03%
• Speed Accuracy: 0.04%
• Rumble: 82 dB down
• Footprint: 19 1/2" x 13 3/4"
• Overall Dimensions: 21 3/8" x 15 3/4" x 11"
• Total Weight: 66 lbs
• Limited-Edition Finish: Rosewood
• Recommended Break-In: At least 20 hours
• Tonearm Bearing Type: Full gimbal bearing
• Pivot-to-Spindle Distance: 258 mm
• Internal Tonearm Wiring: Nordost Reference Wire
• Tonearm Effective Length: 273.4 mm
• Tonearm Effective Mass: 10.7 g
• Overhang: 15.4 mm
• Offset Angle: 19.98 degrees
• Average RMS Distortion: 0.31%
• Tonearm Construction: VPI 3D technology using materials including epoxy resin, Delrin, copper, aluminum, and steel
• Counterweight: Adjustable
• Azimuth Adjustment: Azimuth side weights
• Vertical Tracking Angle: VTA adjustable
• Tonearm Connection: Lemo connection
• Anti-Skate: Mechanical anti-skate provision included
• Included Components: Signature 21 chassis, aluminum platter, Fatboy tonearm, Signature center weight, motor, isolation feet, counterweight, drive belt, finger lift, U.S. power cord, alignment jig, stylus force gauge, and azimuth/hardware tool kit
• Available Periphery Ring Clamp: Designed to improve control of record warps
• Available Reference Feet: Designed to improve turntable isolation
• Available Analog Drive System (ADS): Provides enhanced speed adjustment and control
• Additional Dealer Accessory: Dual Pivot/Stabilizer Kit listed in the product manual
• Placement: Flat, level, sturdy support capable of handling the turntable's 66 lb weight is recommended
• Platter Bearing Maintenance: Re-lubricate with PTFE super grease after at least one year of use
• Motor Maintenance: One drop of 40-weight motor oil beneath the drive pulley on the brass component

VPI Signature 21 Turntable Q&A:

What tonearm comes with the VPI Signature 21?

The current VPI Signature 21 product page specifies the Fatboy Gimbal 10-3D tonearm, featuring a full gimbal bearing, Nordost Reference internal wiring, adjustable VTA, azimuth adjustment, and an adjustable counterweight.

What record speeds does the VPI Signature 21 support?

The Signature 21 plays both 33 and 45 RPM records. Speed is selected by positioning the drive belt on the appropriate step of the two-step motor pulley.

What type of platter does the Signature 21 use?

It uses a 12-inch aluminum platter weighing 20 lbs, providing substantial rotational mass for a stable vinyl playback platform.

How large and heavy is the VPI Signature 21?

The turntable has a footprint of 19 1/2" x 13 3/4", overall dimensions of 21 3/8" x 15 3/4" x 11", and a total weight of 66 lbs.

Can the Signature 21 tonearm be adjusted for different cartridges?

Yes. The Fatboy Gimbal 10-3D provides an adjustable counterweight, azimuth side weights, VTA adjustment, and cartridge-alignment capability, giving users several ways to optimize cartridge setup.

What accessories are included for turntable and cartridge setup?

The documented package includes the turntable chassis, platter, tonearm, center weight, motor, isolation feet, counterweight, drive belt, finger lift, U.S. power cord, alignment jig, stylus force gauge, and azimuth/hardware kit.