VPI Prime
High-end turntables · 2015–present In production
$5,500 US reference price
The deck that brought VPI's 3D-printed unipivot tonearm to a wider audience, on a heavy aluminium/MDF plinth with an inverted bearing. Sold in the US as the Prime 21.
Checked against the manufacturer’s site: 2026-07
Good to know
- No built-in phono stage — use an amplifier with a phono input or add a separate phono preamplifier.
- Sold without a cartridge fitted — budget for a compatible cartridge and setup before first use.
- Professional setup of tracking force, alignment, azimuth and arm height is worth budgeting for at this level.
Specifications
| Drive | belt drive |
|---|---|
| Speeds | 33/45 rpm |
| Operation | manual |
| Cartridge included | sold bare |
| Built-in phono stage | No |
| USB output | No |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Platter | aluminium, 20 lb |
| Tonearm | VPI 3D-printed 10" |
| Dimensions | Footprint 19½" x 13¾"; overall 21⅜" x 15¾" (W x D), height not published |
| Weight | 44.0 lb (19.96 kg) |
| Years | 2015–present |
Cartridge and replacement stylus
The fitted cartridge is not mapped to a verified replacement part. See the model-specific stylus guidance →
Live retailer offers
Checking current in-stock offers for VPI Prime…
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 ↗ |
Compare it
Prime vs SME Model 6Prime vs AVID Volvere SPPrime vs Dr. Feickert Analogue WoodpeckerPrime vs Luxman PD-151 MkII
Compare the Prime against any other deck →
