VPI Avenger Direct Reference Turntable

The VPI Avenger Direct combines two of VPI's most ambitious technologies in one turntable: the highly configurable Avenger tripod chassis and the advanced direct-drive system developed for the HW-40 Anniversary.

The result is a reference-level analog platform with the speed stability and immediate response of direct drive, the adjustability of VPI's Fatboy Gimbal 12-3D tonearm, and the ability to accommodate as many as three tonearms.

For the serious vinyl listener who wants both uncompromising performance and the freedom to build a highly customized analog front end, the Avenger Direct is one of VPI's most capable turntables.

HW-40 Direct-Drive Technology

At the heart of the Avenger Direct is VPI's proven direct-drive motor technology derived from the HW-40 Anniversary.

Instead of using a separate belt or rim-drive motor, the direct-drive system is integrated into an engineered and machined vented enclosure within the turntable itself.

The system delivers 2.68 Nm/sec of motor torque, with platter speed monitored at an extremely precise 2,500 pulses per revolution.

Start or stop the turntable and the platter responds in approximately one second.

Both 33 and 45 RPM playback are available at the touch of a button.

25-Pound Aluminum Platter

The Avenger Direct uses a substantial 12-inch aluminum platter weighing 25 pounds.

The combination of high platter mass and VPI's electronically controlled direct-drive system provides an exceptionally stable rotational platform for the cartridge.

With no conventional belt-drive system between the motor and platter, the Avenger Direct delivers a very different approach to vinyl playback than the standard Avenger, Avenger Plus or Avenger Reference.

VPI Fatboy Gimbal 12-3D Tonearm

The Avenger Direct comes standard with VPI's Fatboy Gimbal 12-3D tonearm.

The arm combines VPI's 3D construction technology with a full gimbal bearing and Nordost Reference internal wiring.

Its 12-inch architecture is designed to reduce tracking-angle error while providing the adjustability necessary to precisely optimize a premium moving-coil or moving-magnet cartridge.

Tonearm Specifications

• Full gimbal bearing
• 300 mm pivot-to-spindle distance
• 313 mm effective length
• 12.5 g effective mass
• 13 mm overhang
• 17.37° offset angle
• Nordost Reference internal wiring
• 3D arm construction
• Adjustable drop counterweight
• Azimuth adjustment
• Adjustable VTA

The Flexibility of the Avenger Platform

The Avenger has always been one of VPI's most configurable turntables, and the Avenger Direct maintains that philosophy.

The chassis can accommodate up to three tonearms, including arms of different lengths and models from other manufacturers.

That opens the door to some incredible analog configurations.

You could run a reference stereo moving-coil cartridge on the primary arm, a dedicated mono cartridge on another, and an entirely different cartridge or tonearm combination on the third.

For someone with a serious record collection, the Avenger Direct can become much more than a single turntable—it can serve as the foundation for an entire analog playback system.

Aluminum & Acrylic Chassis

The Avenger Direct uses VPI's substantial aluminum and machined acrylic chassis architecture, providing a rigid and mechanically controlled foundation for the platter, motor and tonearms.

The direct-drive assembly is housed within an engineered and machined vented casing, integrating the motor and electronics directly into the Avenger platform.

Key Specifications

• Drive System: Direct drive
• Speeds: 33 and 45 RPM
• Motor Torque: 2.68 Nm/sec
• Start/Stop Time: Approximately 1 second
• Speed Monitoring: 2,500 pulses per revolution
• Platter: 12-inch aluminum
• Platter Weight: 25 lbs.
• Tonearm: VPI Fatboy Gimbal 12-3D
• Tonearm Wiring: Nordost Reference
• Chassis: Aluminum and machined acrylic
• Tonearm Capacity: Up to three
• Footprint: 21.75" × 16.75"
• Overall Dimensions: 22" × 17" × 10"
• Made in the USA

Upgrade & Expansion Potential

The Avenger Direct is designed to grow with a serious analog system.

Available options include:

• Additional VPI tonearms
• Additional armboards for third-party tonearms
• Pneumatic Air Suspension feet
• Additional cartridge configurations

The ability to add additional arms is especially valuable for listeners with large or diverse vinyl collections who want cartridges optimized for different types of records.

Experience the VPI Avenger Direct at The Grid HiFi

The Grid HiFi is your VPI turntable and high-end analog audio expert in Houston, Texas.

At the level of the Avenger Direct, the turntable is only one part of the equation. Cartridge selection, phono stage matching, cartridge loading, isolation and precise setup all have a major influence on what the system ultimately delivers.

The Grid can help configure the complete analog system around the Avenger Direct, including moving-coil and moving-magnet cartridges, additional tonearms, phono preamplifiers, amplification, loudspeakers, cabling and equipment support.

We can also professionally handle cartridge installation and alignment, tracking force, VTA, azimuth, tonearm setup and complete turntable optimization, including sophisticated multi-tonearm systems.

Contact The Grid HiFi for VPI Avenger Direct availability, demonstrations, cartridge recommendations, system matching and professional setup.