VPI Signature 21 Turntable

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.

Product Features

Chassis Composition: Vinyl Wrapped MDF, Aluminum, & Stainless Steel
Platter: 12" Aluminum Platter, 20-lb.
Tonearm: JMW-10 Fatboy Gimbal Tonearm
Wired with Nordost Reference Wire
VTA Base on the Fly
Motor RPM: 300 RPM
Easy Cartridge Alignment
Interchangeable Tonearms
Made in the USA

Product Specs

Chassis Composition: Vinyl Wrapped MDF, Aluminum, & Stainless Steel
Platter Type & Size: 12" Aluminum Platter, 20-Lbs.
Tonearm Included: JMW-10 Fatboy Gimbal Tonearm
Motor Pulley Accuracy: +/- .0005"
Wow and Flutter: 0.03%
Speed Accuracy: 0.04%
Rumble: 82 db down
Footprint: 19.5" x 13.75"
Overall Size: 21.38" x 15.75" x 11"
Total Weight: 66 lb.

Product Manual

	VPI Signature 21 Manual (PDF Format)

"To say that I was impressed with the Fatboy is an understatement. It has now found a permanent home in my system. 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."

"Every listening session just reinforces my decision and the investment in the Fatboy. This seems to be a rare thing these days as the digital world continues to quickly evolve and can sometimes overwhelm my front end choices. All I can say is that analog still rules and the Fatboy has contributed mightily!"

- Robert S. Youman, positive-feedback.com, Issue 106, December 16, 2019

"Solid as a rock, oozing detail but blended successfully with clarity. All I can advise, in my simple, innocent, yet hopeful way is to tell you to buy this deck or, if an angled entreatment is more attractive, buy this deck or if you are suffering from hearing difficulties BUY THIS DECK! Got that?"

- Paul Rigby, The Audiophile Man, April 12, 2018

"...if your budget does extend to the Signature we would recommend doing so. It takes everything the standard model does and builds on it. There’s more insight, stronger dynamics and a lovely stability."

"In a top-end system the improvements will be obvious. Be in no doubt that the Prime Signature is the player to beat at its price. Highly recommended."

- What Hi-Fi?, January 2, 2018