What do you think the 40th will be?

[Mat]

I figured I would throw out a wild card post of what you all think our 40th Anniversary table will be Who knows, maybe there will be some good/influencing ideas here

[Brf]

Hmmm, that’s a tough one. How to create a 40th anniversary product that does not cannibalize your existing sales and fits into your existing product hierarchy? IMHO, you have already shot yourself in the foot my launching the Prime Signature which would have made an excellent 40th anniversary product.

Perhaps a direct drive Prime Signature utilizing a less expensive motor than the Classic Direct?

[10ovr]

Hmmm, that’s a tough one. How to create a 40th anniversary product that does not cannibalize your existing sales and fits into your existing product hierarchy? IMHO, you have already shot yourself in the foot my launching the Prime Signature which would have made an excellent 40th anniversary product.

Perhaps a direct drive Prime Signature utilizing a less expensive motor than the Classic Direct?

Or maybe a rim drive Signature in acrylic like the Aries and HRX

[EdAInWestOC]

I would like to see some automation features that could be added to existing tables. Maybe remote control VTA on the fly with multiple memory presets so we could pre-program our settings. You have the Tru-lift but a table with your own built in end of LP lift, return the tonearm to rest and motor shutoff. If that could be done without negatively effecting the tonearm, it may be a welcomed addition.

How about a standalone VPI stylus hour meter? Have you considered your own VPI branded phono cartridges?

You already have a long list of great turntables and adding another one may be one model too many.

Ed

[jonathanb]

I'm guessing a modernized HW-19 with direct drive.

[JohnCh]

Mat, I think the questions for you are what kind of statement do you want to make with the 40th Anniversary table and at what price point? Is this supposed to celebrate your past or simply point to the future? Are you looking for this to be a profitable piece with good sales volume, or something that gets people talking but ultimately drives purchases of other VPI tables or upgrades?

Some interesting concepts have been thrown out already, but a little clarity on your objectives might help spur more actionable ideas

-John

[Brf]

I'm guessing a modernized HW-19 with direct drive.

That was one of my initial thoughts until I realized that the Classic series of tables was supposed to be an improved redesign of the HW-19. I don't think we will see a cheaper direct drive HW-19/Classic table as VPI is moving towards a more standardize table platform/plinth and that is why I suggested a Direct Drive Prime.

[Dorian]

I'm guessing a modernized HW-19 with direct drive.

That was one of my initial thoughts until I realized that the Classic series of tables was supposed to be an improved redesign of the HW-19. I don't think we will see a cheaper direct drive HW-19/Classic table and VPI is moving towards a more standardize table platform/plinth and that is why I suggested a Direct Drive Prime.

Perhaps at the same price point as the Technics SL-1000R.

[mreeter]

Hmmm, that’s a tough one. How to create a 40th anniversary product that does not cannibalize your existing sales and fits into your existing product hierarchy? IMHO, you have already shot yourself in the foot my launching the Prime Signature which would have made an excellent 40th anniversary product.

Perhaps a direct drive Prime Signature utilizing a less expensive motor than the Classic Direct?

Or maybe a rim drive Signature in acrylic like the Aries and HRX

My vote as well!

[Brf]

Hmmm, that’s a tough one. How to create a 40th anniversary product that does not cannibalize your existing sales and fits into your existing product hierarchy? IMHO, you have already shot yourself in the foot my launching the Prime Signature which would have made an excellent 40th anniversary product.

Perhaps a direct drive Prime Signature utilizing a less expensive motor than the Classic Direct?

Or maybe a rim drive Signature in acrylic like the Aries and HRX

My vote as well!

IMHO, an acrylic/aluminum ply plinth would be too close to the Avenger. A dual motor rim drive cannot be adapted very easily to the 4 footer Prime. A single motor rim drive could be an option for the Prime.