VPI Avenger Reference Turntable with Gimbal Tonearm and Upgrades

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General:
Early production version of the VPI Avenger Reference 'table containing many of the Reference features, but with the exception of the rim drive.

We acquired this piece from the original owner who used it sparingly and took great care of it.

Included Upgrades:
1) Periphery Ring Clamp for the ultimate in record warp reduction.
2) Analog Drive System (ADS) for the utmost accuracy in motor speed and fine speed adjustments.
3) Avenger Reference Feet.
4) Fatboy Gimbal 12-3D Tonearm.
5) Acrylic Cover.

More from VPI:
The VPI Avenger Table was originally a project started by Harry over 12 years ago. In the process of the design, the project was dropped in mid-production due to excessive demand by HR-X customers which left the design and proto-type chassis to be mothballed. The good news about the abandoned design is Harry instead shifted his focus to starting and completing the VPI Classic Turntable.

Shortly after the development of the Prime, the forgotten Avenger and its designs were re-discovered! The working name was the "Tri-Pod Project". Being newly motivated, Harry has finally put in motion the table that will be his masterpiece! The unique iterations that had been crafted from the original process were completed as Special Editions.
 
The VPI Avenger chassis is three layers of bonded acrylic/aluminum/acrylic, with damping material between layers, locked in by 3 isolation steel corner posts, 3 bolts, and the massive bearing assembly. The corner posts which hold the tonearms (up to three will fit) have adjustable machined knobs giving the user the ability to easily raise and lower the height to level the table. Fully adjustable arm boards are made from 5/8” 6061 aluminum for rigidity and grounding. The table can mount up to three arms, any manufacturer's brand, and any length!

VPI Fatboy Gimbal 12-3D:
Bearing Type: Full Gimbal Bearing
Pivot to spindle: 300 mm
Internal Wire: Nordost Reference Wire
Effective length: 313.0 mm
Effective mass: 12.5g.
Overhang: 13mm
Offset angle: 17.37 degrees
Average RMS distortion: 0.267%
Material: 3D Technology Consisting of but not limited to Epoxy resin and Delrin materials, copper, aluminum, and steel 
​Product Notes: Adjustable Drop Counterweight, Azimuth side weights, VTA, and Limo Connection.

Brand Background:
Although best known for their high-end turntables, VPI have recently introduced the Player and Clifford models which offer similar performance at an approachable price.

Their VPI Record Cleaning Machines (RCMs) are the industry standard for collectors and record shops alike. VPI components are designed and built in Cliffwood, New Jersey.

Cosmetic Condition:
8/10 = Very Good. Excellent front faceplate, one minor flaw on chassis side or top. See our detailed rating description here.

Working Condition:
Working perfectly and calibrated on our custom turntable calibration stand.

Reviews:
Click Here

Original MSRP:
$22,000.00

Specs:
Chassis Composition: Aluminum and machined acrylic
Platter Type & Size: 12" Aluminum Platter, 25LBS
Tonearm Included: JMW-12
Motor: 300 RPM, 24 pole, AC synchronous motor
Wow and flutter: 0.03%
Speed Accuracy:  0.04%
Rumble: 82db down

Dimensions:
Footprint: 23" x 20"
Overall Size: 27" x 23" x 10"

Weight:
68 lbs.

Link to Manual:
Click Here

Recommended Cables:

Kimber Kable - Phono Interconnects - Better

Kimber Kable - Flagship Phono Interconnects - Best

Kimber Kable - Power Cords

Testing Process:

First we try to identify any mechanical issues, particularly in the tonearm bearings.  We check for freedom of movement or any resistance on both the horizontal and vertical range.  There is a quick test for this which involves placing the table on its front edge and allowing the arm to swing freely like a pendulum.  We then make any adjustments necessary to achieve minimal resistance and sometimes adjust the bearing pressure.  On gimbal tonearms we inspect the cone tip with a magnifier.

We then asses the platter speed by using one of several methods, the most accuse is a playing a test tone on a test record and measuring the frequency out put with a frequency counter or oscilloscope.  We also utilize test equipment to measure the wow and flutter to ensure its within spec.  We do this for all speeds available for that particular model. 

Adjustments are then made to achieve proper speed which will vary depending on table drive design.  Some require an adjustment of an internal or external potentiometer, some will require a pulley or motor adjustment.  We also inspect the platter bearing to ensure its properly lubricated keeping in mind that some don't require lubrication at all.

We then inspect the power supply and address any issues with overworked capacitors particularly on Linn and later Thorens machines which tend to need attention.

On fully mechanical vintage tables like the Thorens TD124 and Garrard 301/401 we will go thought the entire mechanism, replace any worn parts and lubricate all components necessary to ensure smooth operation, speed change and low mechanical noise.

When fitting a new cartridge we will go through our detailed calibration process which can involve as many as 12 steps depending on the arm design.  We perform this work on our custom turntable calibration rig which was developed in-house.

Some of these steps include:

• Pivot to spindle adjustment

• Tracing force

• Anti-skate

• Tonearm height

• Lifter height

• VTA

• Azimuth

• Stylus Distance and Overhang

We then do a critical listening test using our test records and our test system to ensure proper sonics.