VPI new stuff...

I'm a long VPI owner. I've seen this all before. They get you excited about a (new) product, then they change their focus. If one decides to (focus) on one product, by the time that owner needs service, you're out of luck. I read recently that Harry retired.

I'm doing OK making my own (better) products for myself. Although there (are) certain items that need to be outsourced.

OK, think about it. When the Scout was introduced,(I'm only referring to the plinth/base/motor construction... the selling point was that the motor was reposition at the opposite plane from the tonearm, the plinth was more substantial/better isolation, all of this was to address speed stability and resonance control. (more closely resembling direct drive, which they ultimately focused on). Then came the Scout 2 then 3.... All of this kind of put all of their previous designs into the history bins.

All of the sudden, now, we're suppose to believe that we should go back to their previous designs, where there's more chance for speed abnormalities, less solid/resonance dissipating plinth design. Where in the hell does it end.

I love VPI but I wish they were more customer friendly/focused. It seems their profits drive their products.

Speaking of profits,
Now all of a sudden the $2500 price tag for the Prime is just an "introductory" price.
If you don't happen to have the cash ready in the next two and half months your out of luck. The price jumps to $2800 justs 10 weeks after its premier.

The new Prime is actually $3500 and $3800.

Just little focus is my opinion on VPI. It seems they just keep throwing things out there to see what sticks (sells). In that strategy, in the end, quality will suffer and a company loses its identity.

Clearly they are branching out substantially to suit the needs of all consumers at all price levels who are wanting analog. I applaud their attempts, but I'm not sure its sustainable over the long haul.

Business 101: Too many skus, too much overhead. Too much overhead means too high prices on your goods. When prices become way out of proportion to the quality of your product compared to others, you will contract your skus, refocus your company or die.

Hi everyone, wanted to clear up some confusion and give more answers...

The Prime wasn't supposed to be released until 2015 and the final price was originally looking to be $4,000 (which is the price we would have made it if we were a company like Slaw describes but we don't pull that). We were able to bring down the price a bit more and decided to release it early after the excitement we received from our VPI Dealer Training and Listening event. Technically the Prime at the $3,500 until the end of the year is a bonus since it wasn't supposed to be around until January. Also, if anyone is worried about Harry retiring and not having support, no worries, this table is my design and Harry just proofed it.

VPI has been growing and changing and it is in a transitional phase. Personally I have always favored the quite and smooth stability of an outboard motor. The motor housing is based off of the Aries motor, the foot print of the Prime is the same as the Classic 3 giving room for a 10 inch 3D arm with VTA tower, new isolation feet, and Classic Platter. The Prime will be $3,800 for 2015 and will not be considered for any price change until 2016. We are working to have a more consistent focused line.

More information to follow on our website after Rocky Mountain. :)