The Next Big Step Up from VPI Prime
The VPI Prime Signature 21 turntable is the next step up from the VPI Prime, which took the world by storm two years ago during its initial release. The Signature 21 features a 10" Fatboy Gimbal arm with reference wiring. The chassis consists of an aluminum plate sandwiched between a composite material for improved damping.
10" Fatboy Gimbal Tonearm
The 10" Fatboy Gimbal arm is very special indeed. It boasts a 3D-printed epoxy arm/tube construction, a triangular to circular resonance canceling taper, a micrometer-style multi-dimensional adjustable counterweight, and Nordost Reference wiring.
The Fatboy adds a new level adjustment to the VPI type tonearm. By combining a 3D printed tube with the fine machined back stock, it creates the perfect balance of precision and balance for your tonearm. The fine adjustable counterweight makes cartridge set-up easier than ever.
"To say that I was impressed with the Fatboy is an understatement. It has now found a permanent home in my system," raves Robert S. Youman in his positive-feedback.com review of the tonearm for Issue 106, December 16, 2019. "The improvements realized across the board were well beyond my expectations considering the excellent performance of the JMW-12 3DR, and even before that with the JMW-12.7."
A Serious Synchronous Motor and 20-Pound Platter
Prime Signature 21 uses a 300-rpm, 24-pole AC synchronous motor capable of high torque and quiet operation. For superior isolation, the motor is installed in a separate aluminum and steel machined assembly.
For unsurpassed speed stability, Prime Signature 21 boasts a 20-pound damped platter machined from 6061 aluminum to an astonishing +/- .001” tolerance in a 39” circumference. The inverted bearing consists of a hardened stainless steel shaft plus a 60 Rockwell chrome hardened ball spinning in a phosphor bronze bushing and sitting on a PEEK thrust disc. The belt side load is placed at the center of the spinning bearing for zero 'teeter-totter' effects.
The motor pulley has an accuracy of +/- .0005” when leaving VPI's factory and has a wow and flutter rating of >0.03%, speed accuracy of >0.04% and rumble of >82db down.
