New VPI tube integrated tube amp . . .

http://vpiindustries.com/blog/?p=521

 

Jeez...that's beautiful.

 

I agree. Kinda sad that so few will be made.

 

Believe it or not the picture does not do it justice, very impressive in person. I guess the limited quantity is due to the price ($4K) and the difficulty building top quality products in large quantity. I'm sure if they sell there will be more to come.

 

My heart just skipped a beat...or two

 

I first saw it from behind, back of unit, and thought it was a Mac. Workmanship is impeccable.

 

Yes please

 

I was not expecting an amplifier from VPI!

Cool.

 

From the link:

It is finally starting to ship! Last year at the New York show we announced the creation of our Limited Edition 299D Integrated Tube Amplifier! Finally the wait is over. Original created Harry Weisfeld long time family friend Steve Leung (VAS) collaborated together to bring back one of their favorites, the Scott 299D integrated amp. The integrated has a phono stage, amplifier, and headphone amp built right in. This product will only be available in the US and Canada. The Limited Edition has been restricted to 100 so grab this VPI collectible while you can.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Power Output. ( Standard come with EL-34 Match-Q. Switchable to KT-88 2 x 38W / EL-34 (8Ω, Ultra linear). ( KT-88 /40-Watts) 2 x 20W / EL-34 (8Ω, Triode). ( KT-88 /20-Watts)
Tube Complement 4 x EL-34, ( or KT-88 ), 4 x 12AU7, & 1 x 5AR4
Frequency Response 9 Hz ~ 52 Hz (-3 dB)
THD 1% (1kHz)
S/N Ratio 89 dB
Input Sensitivity 400 mV, 600 mV ( Pre-in)
Input Impedance 100-kΩ
Output Impedance 4Ω, 8Ω
Classic Design Special-1 Headphone Output
Classic Design Special-2 Tone & Treble Control
MM Phono Total Gain ~ 45 dB ( Upgrade )
Input impedance 47.0-K Ohm
Power Consumption AC-120 Volts @ 280 Watts
Weight ~ 68 Pound ( Ship with Double Box )
Warranty 90 Day for Tubes & 3 Year For Amplifier
Size W x D x H inch 16 x 15 x 7

 

Sweet

 

Unless they stray from their logo - Made in U.S.A..

 

Wow just gorgeous and I love the Scott 299. Would love to hear one of those.

 

Wow - that is one nice looking integrated!

Would love to get a chance to hear it sometime.

 

Elegant, classy appearance. I usually don't like the way modern amps look, but that is very nice.

 

I want one. But only if it's made stateside

 

Beauty is definitely in the eye of the beholder.

 

Is this VPI's first amp?

 

The press release reads like it was translated from another language and not edited. Sloppy.
This piece is gorgeous and the inspiration is rock solid. I hate to throw a spanner in the works - but these guys make turntables and tonearms, one of which I own and love - until now. Just sayin'...
I'd love to hear it in the proper system, my Maggies would starve on this.

 

First... and probably only. This product was begun by Harry Weisfeld. VPI's new/current CEO Mat Weisfeld has stated that they'll finish the product begun by his father, but it will be a limited production only. And that the company needs to stick to what they do best... turntables.

 

Might be wise.

 

It looks more like a Marantz to me.

 

Hi all, the poor English is my poor editing skills I'll edited it up today so it doesn't look like a translation.

As mentioned by @skriefal that is the main reason this product is happening at all. Taking every other question off the table (bit of a pun there) VPI makes turntables! When I was younger my mom wanted me to have as many experiences as possible and experience being a "jack of all trades" but eventually become a master of one. That lesson stuck with me and made me realize if you try to do everything you might be ok at it but you will never be great! I really enjoy making turntables both from the standard production end and now the design end. The long term direction of VPI is to stay on the cutting edge of technology for quality American made turntables. @Ken E. I agree with you 100%

Here is a copy and paste of what I wrote about this amp on my facebook page:

"It is finally shipping! Our Limited Edition Integrated Amp. Now don't get any ideas anyone! This is a project that was set in motion prior to my administration and while I'm loving the result it is not one that will be repeated again in the future via VPI. I have a strong respect for the professionals in our industry who make electronics, many of whom we feature in our listening room. As a company I have no urge to step on their toes just as I know they feel the same about turntables "

I hope that clears up some questions on the amp and I hope everyone is having a very Happy Thanksgiving

 

Matt,
Very nice looking amp and I bet it sounds amazing.
I agree that a company should focus on its core competencies. It just seems like a world of difference between VPI offering and supporting a full range of non-core products compared to building one amplifier. This one is already designed, tooled and released- seems like the hard work is finished.
Why wouldn't you want to continue assembling and shipping them as long as there is demand for them?
PS Happy Thanksgiving!

 

Chinese import, yes?