VPI Avenger turntable with Grado Labs Epoch cartridge. My mini-review is here, post #296..

Discussion in 'Audio Hardware' started by Steve Hoffman, Dec 14, 2017.

  1. Warren Jarrett

    Warren Jarrett Audio Note (UK) dealer in SoCal/LA-OC In Memoriam

    Location:
    Fullerton, CA
    Well, a remarkable afternoon, assembling the VPI turntable and installing the Grado Epoch cartridge. The VPI Avenger turntable is so amazingly well-made. Precision and quality of both materials and workmanship were extremely impressive. The assembly procedure was easy, because every aspect of this turntable is extremely well thought-out and executed.

    I will go back to visit Steve again on Christmas day (he lives VERY close to my Christmas-dinner relatives) for careful and detailed listening.

    Very soon we will indeed lift the 10" arm off the Classic and place it on the Avenger. The armboards are designed to easily accept any length arm and simply rotate to align with the turntable platter properly. Ingenious in its flexibility, simplicity and ease of adjustment.
     
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  2. Steve Hoffman

    Steve Hoffman Your host Your Host Thread Starter

    So, it's fun listening to music on the VPI Avenger. I swear this thing has NO sonic signature, I love it. Totally neutral. The cart is the thing, in this case, a Grado Labs Epoch, an expensive as hell but nicely tonally balanced moving iron beast. Mat Weisfeld at VPI kindly made a special custom counterweight for this heavy Grado cart and it works perfectly.

    I'm using the Audio Note M6 RIAA phono stage and (for solid state goodness) the classic Krell KSP-7b phono section (which is so loud and so noise free, I can use the Grado cart without a step-up) into my Audio Note M9 preamp to the Audio Note Ongaku Kensei amp and AN-E/SPx HE Alnico speakers.

    Good times. The Avenger is massive and impressive looking.
    VPI two.jpg VPI three.jpg PlaceBase.jpg VPI six.jpg
     
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  3. Steve Hoffman

    Steve Hoffman Your host Your Host Thread Starter

    Warren dealing with the Grado Labs EPOCH. He hasn't destroyed a cart yet!

    VPI five.jpg ShowOffCart.jpg Done.jpg
     
    Twinsfan007, Ntotrar, Dino and 25 others like this.
  4. marka

    marka Forum Resident

    Wow!

    *Looks* fabulous, and Warren looks thrilled.
     
  5. Steve Hoffman

    Steve Hoffman Your host Your Host Thread Starter

    He was in his element, that's for sure. Come over, Mark and listen to this beast!
     
    LeeS likes this.
  6. marka

    marka Forum Resident

    On my way! <jk>

    Will do, soon.
     
  7. Guitarded

    Guitarded Forum Resident

    Location:
    Montana
    Beautiful.

    The turntable. Not your toe.
     
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  8. Jrr

    Jrr Forum Resident

    I have a VPI Prime and just love it. I think it's one of the best values in higher end tables and it looks beautiful.
     
  9. Steve Hoffman

    Steve Hoffman Your host Your Host Thread Starter

    But my toe is indeed lovely. So lovely. Wait, that could be Warren’s toe.
     
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  10. Guitarded

    Guitarded Forum Resident

    Location:
    Montana

    'Of course, I'll introduce you to Warren('s Toe)!' - Frank Zappa
     
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  11. BrokenByAudio

    BrokenByAudio Forum Resident

    I look forward to this review. I've been drooling over a two-arm Avenger since they came out. (I would absolutely go for the 3D arms.) Speaker Shop (dealer here in Buffalo) has their Avenger set up with the rim drive.
     
    Steve Hoffman likes this.
  12. BrokenByAudio

    BrokenByAudio Forum Resident

    Steve,
    What do you use for your TT ICs?
     
    stapsy likes this.
  13. jcmusic

    jcmusic Forum Resident

    Location:
    Terrytown, La.
    Interesting thread as I owned a VPI ScoutMaster with some of the upgrades and I really loved that table with a Dyna 20X. I was looking very much at the Avenger and in fact had decided to get one, then the deal of a lifetime came my way and I had to pass on the Avenger. This was not an easy choice, anyway I ended up with a Redpoint Model D TT with a TriPlanar MKVII arm and a Soundsmith Sotto Voce cartridge. I have no regrets at all but, am very interested in hearing your comments...
     
  14. jupiterboy

    jupiterboy Forum Residue

    Location:
    Buffalo, NY
    Is the platter solid metal, or does is have a delrin or other insert?
     
  15. Steve Hoffman

    Steve Hoffman Your host Your Host Thread Starter

    Audio Note UK Sogon. I had an extra short pair. Works perfectly.
     
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  16. Steve Hoffman

    Steve Hoffman Your host Your Host Thread Starter

    It's machined aluminum and heavy as hell, that's all I know.
     
  17. Guitarded

    Guitarded Forum Resident

    Location:
    Montana
    OK.

    New table.

    What are you spinning on it, though?
     
  18. Tullman

    Tullman Senior Member

    Location:
    Boston MA
    Is this with the motor?
     
  19. BIGGER Dave

    BIGGER Dave Forum Resident

    Yet!

    ...LOL
     
  20. Tullman

    Tullman Senior Member

    Location:
    Boston MA
    Would the Avenger fit a 24 inch wide and 20 inch deep Symposium platform?
     
  21. Guitarded

    Guitarded Forum Resident

    Location:
    Montana
    Here you go Tullman, from the last page...
     
    Tullman likes this.
  22. Steve Hoffman

    Steve Hoffman Your host Your Host Thread Starter

    Yes. The 20 x 28 platform I'm using (see photos) is way more than enough. 20 x 24 would be just right.
     
  23. Tullman

    Tullman Senior Member

    Location:
    Boston MA
    Thank you.
     
  24. Tullman

    Tullman Senior Member

    Location:
    Boston MA
    Cool, I just noticed the your avatar pic. You were clever with the way you mounted the Avenger.
     
    Guss2 likes this.
  25. avanti1960

    avanti1960 Forum Resident

    Location:
    Chicago metro, USA
    If it sounds half as good as it looks you guys are in for a treat!
     
    SandAndGlass, patient_ot and HiFi Guy like this.

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