VPI Avenger Turntable

REVIEW
Roy Gregory
Aug 16, 2021

But perhaps the Avenger’s polished poise is best exemplified by Sol Gabetta’s vivid Cello transcription of Vivaldi’s ‘Winter’ from the Four Seasons. Her instrument is placed front and centre, directly in the path of the high-energy, high tempo playing of Sonatori de La Gioiosa Marca, their incisive, insistent bowing laying down a serious challenge to which the Cello responds with a virtuoso display of driven precision and energy. Impressive enough on most turntables, on the Avenger Gabetta’s playing takes on an almost physical presence, such is the concentrated vigour that the turntable drags from the groove. But where earlier iterations of the TNT ingredients might have gone over the top, this ‘table releases the energy but with a grip and swagger to match the incredible display of musical technique. The Avenger ensures that she’s not just here, she’s here with some serious attitude and the ability to back it up.

Of course, with any upgradable product you are dealing with a kit of parts and choosing which to include is crucial. For me the Analogue Power Supply is a must while the Peripheral Clamp is definitely a “nice to have”. But the beauty of the inherent simplicity that those inveterate audio tinkerers, the Weisfeld clan have built into all of their products and which continues today, is that they also lend themselves to third-party mods. If you opt for the JMW arm, then the Soundsmith Counter Intuitive set-up accessory is a God-send, while substituting SortKones for the existing feet on the turntable will generate a significant hike in resolution, dynamic range and discrimination (and a smaller hike in the height, necessitating a bit of creativity under the motor pod). An infectiously musical performer straight out of the box, the Avenger lends itself to further upgrades or modifications with the passing of the years. With many vinyl lovers looking to buy their “last turntable”, VPI is offering you the chance to stuff down a monster slice of gateau while still having some left over for later. It’s been a long, long time since I was without a VPI turntable in the house. The arrival of the musically impressive Avenger ensures that won’t be changing anytime soon.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Type: Belt-drive turntable (with rim-drive upgrade option)
Motor: AC Synchronous
Speeds: 33/45 RPM (user adjustable with optional Analogue Power Supply)
Bearing: Large diameter, inverted, PEEK thrust-pad
Platter: One-piece aluminium
Dimensions (W×D): Footprint 560 × 460mm (22” × 18”)
External dimensions increase with number and type of tonearms fitted
Weight: 30.84kg (68lbs)
Prices: Avenger/JMW3D12 £11,000
Peripheral Ring Clamp £1,100
Analogue Power Supply £1,200