SME Synergy vs VPI Avenger Reference
Side-by-side specifications and a plain-English account of the recorded differences. Full profiles: SME Synergy · VPI Avenger Reference.
| Specification | SME Synergy |
VPI Avenger Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $36,789 | Highlighted difference. $25,500 |
| Category | High-end | High-end |
| Status | current | current |
| Years | 2019–present | 2016–present |
| Drive | belt drive | belt drive |
| Speeds | 33/45 rpm | 33/45 rpm |
| Operation | manual | manual |
| Cartridge supplied | Highlighted difference. Ortofon Windfeld Ti (fitted) | sold bare |
| Phono stage | Highlighted difference. Yes | No |
| USB output | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Platter | aluminium, damped | aluminium, 30 lb |
| Tonearm | SME 309 | 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.
On price alone the VPI Avenger Reference costs less, coming in $11,289 (about 44%) below the SME Synergy.
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.
The SME Synergy has a built-in phono stage. Skip the phono stage and you'll need one built into your amp, or a separate box, to play through normal speakers.
Bottom line: the VPI Avenger Reference has the lower reference price; the table shows which documented features change with the $11,289 gap.
Live retailer offers
Checking current in-stock offers for SME Synergy…
Retailer searches
1 US retailer stock SME — each outbound link searches the deck on that retailer’s site.
| Retailer | Type | Shipping | Product search |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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.
| Retailer | Type | Shipping | Product 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 ↗ |