Clearaudio Innovation vs VPI Avenger Reference

Side-by-side specifications and a plain-English account of the recorded differences. Full profiles: Clearaudio Innovation · VPI Avenger Reference.

Comparison of Clearaudio Innovation and VPI Avenger Reference
Specification Clearaudio
Innovation
VPI
Avenger Reference
PriceHighlighted difference. $22,500$25,500
CategoryHigh-endHigh-end
Statuscurrentcurrent
Years2009–present2016–present
Drivebelt drivebelt drive
SpeedsHighlighted difference. 33/45/78 rpm33/45 rpm
Operationmanualmanual
Cartridge suppliedsold baresold bare
Phono stageNoNo
USB outputNoNo
BluetoothNoNo
Platterthree-layer sandwichaluminium, 30 lb
TonearmClearaudio (various)VPI 3D-printed 12"
Wow & flutter

Practical differences

Highlighted cells show a lower reference price, support for more listed speeds, or the presence of a convenience feature. They are not an overall score.

There's a real gap here: $3,000 separates them, with the VPI Avenger Reference the pricier of the two.

Both are belt-drive, so that part of the experience should feel similar on either deck: a motor that's mechanically isolated from the platter by an elastic belt, which is the usual route to a quieter noise floor — the default choice across most of hi-fi.

Bottom line: the Clearaudio Innovation has the lower reference price; the table shows which documented features change with the $3,000 gap.

Live retailer offers

Checking current in-stock offers for Clearaudio Innovation…

Retailer searches

6 US retailers stock Clearaudio — each outbound link searches the deck on that retailer’s site.

Retailers selling Clearaudio Innovation
RetailerTypeShippingProduct search
Acoustic Sounds hifi independent Ships worldwide from Salina, Kansas at carrier rates. View at Acoustic Sounds ↗
Audio Advice hifi independent Free shipping on most orders. View at Audio Advice ↗
Elusive Disc hifi independent Free shipping on orders over $79. View at Elusive Disc ↗
Turntable Lab hifi independent Free shipping to the continental US on most orders (bulk/oversized items excluded). View at Turntable Lab ↗
Upscale Audio hifi independent Free USA shipping on orders over $99 (exclusions for oversized items). View at Upscale Audio ↗
eBay marketplace Shipping set per seller; many listings ship free within the US. View at eBay ↗

Live retailer offers

Checking current in-stock offers for VPI Avenger Reference…

Retailer searches

7 US retailers stock VPI — each outbound link searches the deck on that retailer’s site.

Retailers selling VPI Avenger Reference
RetailerTypeShippingProduct search
Acoustic Sounds hifi independent Ships worldwide from Salina, Kansas at carrier rates. View at Acoustic Sounds ↗
Elusive Disc hifi independent Free shipping on orders over $79. View at Elusive Disc ↗
Music Direct hifi independent Free shipping on orders over $49. View at Music Direct ↗
Reverb used marketplace Shipping set per seller; many listings ship free within the US. View at Reverb ↗
Turntable Lab hifi independent Free shipping to the continental US on most orders (bulk/oversized items excluded). View at Turntable Lab ↗
Upscale Audio hifi independent Free USA shipping on orders over $99 (exclusions for oversized items). View at Upscale Audio ↗
eBay marketplace Shipping set per seller; many listings ship free within the US. View at eBay ↗

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