VPI Prime Turntable

Pre-Owned | Excellent Condition | $3,495

A VPI Prime with a few thoughtful extras.

The VPI Prime has earned a reputation as one of the standout American turntables of its generation. Its substantial, resonance-controlled chassis, 20-pound aluminum platter, inverted bearing, and 10-inch 3D-printed tonearm reflect VPI’s approach to turntable design: robust engineering, careful attention to mechanical fundamentals, and extensive adjustability.

This particular Prime goes a step further. Factory-equipped with VPI’s HRX motor pulley in place of the standard pulley, it’s paired with a Phoenix Engineering Eagle motor controller that generates clean, precisely controlled AC power for improved speed stability. The Eagle also provides push-button switching between 33⅓ and 45 RPM and fine speed adjustment.

The package also includes VPI’s dual-pivot tonearm attachment, a Soundsmith Counter Intuitive for easier tracking-force and azimuth adjustments, and an HRX record weight and VPI periphery ring clamp to help keep records firmly coupled to the platter.

Together, these additions make this a particularly well-equipped example of the Prime, with several of the upgrades an owner might otherwise pursue individually.

Included

  • VPI Prime with JMW-10 3D tonearm

  • Factory-installed HRX motor pulley

  • Phoenix Engineering Eagle motor controller

  • VPI dual-pivot tonearm attachment

  • Soundsmith Counter Intuitive

  • VPI HRX record weight

  • VPI periphery ring clamp

  • Original packaging, owner’s manual, and protractor

Condition & Cartridge Options

This one-owner Prime is in excellent condition and comes from a non-smoking household.

The turntable is offered without a cartridge. The Clearaudio Virtuoso Wood currently installed can remain in place at the buyer’s request, although replacement should be anticipated as its stylus approaches the end of its service life.

New cartridges are available from Backbeat Audio, with professional installation and alignment included at no additional charge when purchased with this turntable.

Available for audition at the Backbeat listening studio in Portland, Oregon. Packing and shipping are also available for a nominal fee.

Close-up of the VPI Prime’s JMW-10 3D tonearm assembly, showing the adjustable VTA tower, dual-pivot attachment, and Soundsmith Counter Intuitive.
Front elevated view of the VPI Prime turntable with its 20-pound aluminum platter, 10-inch JMW 3-D tonearm, outboard motor, and black chassis.
Side view of the VPI Prime turntable highlighting its 3D-printed tonearm, adjustable counterweight, aluminum platter, and isolation feet.
Close-up of the VPI Prime’s aluminum platter fitted with the VPI periphery ring clamp and HRX record weight.
Phoenix Engineering Eagle motor controller showing its separate power amplifier and digital control unit, included with the VPI Prime turntable.