This American-Made Audiophile Turntable Is Designed to Last Forever

The Model One is the first turntable in the company’s Forever Series.

Published October 25, 2024

·

Updated November 1, 2024

Every product is carefully selected by our editors. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more

VPI is an American hi-fi manufacturer — based in New Jersey — that has been making high-quality audiophile turntables for more than four decades. However, its latest model, the Model One, is designed a bit differently.

As the first turntable in the company’s new Forever Series, the Model One has a neat modular design that makes upgrading some key components — specifically its motor drive and platter as well as its tonearm — quite streamlined.

The idea is that Model One will be easier to upgrade, service or fix than other turntables. And, as the name of the series suggests, it could help the Model One to last “forever.”

VPI Forever Model One

VPI Forever Series Model One

$5,250 at VPI

A modular, upgradable design

The Model One has three different upgradable modules. One for its motor drive and platter, one for its tonearm, and one for its suspension system. When VPI introduces new (higher-end) models to the Forever Series, you can upgrade the Model One with those newer modules.

First, there’s the Model One’s motor drive and platter module. It’s mounted on a thick aluminum plate and, according to the brand, features “a resonance-canceling damping plate to reduce vibrations, improving sound clarity.”

VPI turntable — The Model One’s Motor Drive and Platter module.

Its tonearm module features a 10-inch, S-shaped tonearm that’s statically balanced and has a solid aluminum architecture. According to the brand, this eliminates tube resonances and ensures pure sound reproduction.

And finally, there’s its 3D isolation module. The Model One is VPI’s first turntable to feature a 3-point floating suspension system. According to the brand, this “advanced 3D isolation system stabilizes the turntable, minimizes motor noise, and reduces both external and internal vibrations.”

VPI Model One turntable — The Model One’s new VPI S-Tonearm module.

A 10-year warranty

As the price tag indicates, the Model One is a high-quality (and expensive) turntable designed for discerning audiophiles with fairly deep pockets.

In addition to the modular design and upgradable parts, the turntable comes with a 10-year warranty. It’s not quite forever, but it should last well beyond if taken care of properly.

“Whether you are a seasoned audiophile or new to the world of vinyl,” reads the press release. “The VPI Forever Series allows you to enhance your system over time, making it a true investment for the future.”