VPI Avenger Reference High-End Turntable

The VPI Avenger Reference takes the modular Avenger platform to its highest level, combining VPI's three-layer chassis with a magnetic-drive platter, rim-drive motor assembly, Analog Drive System, Fatboy 12-inch Gimbal tonearm, Periphery Ring Clamp, and Avenger Reference isolation feet.

This is VPI's ultimate expression of the Avenger concept—a substantial 85-pound analog platform designed for listeners who want exceptional isolation, speed stability and the flexibility to build a truly serious multi-tonearm vinyl system.

VPI Magnetic Drive System

The defining technology of the Avenger Reference is its magnetic-drive platter system.

The rim-drive motor assembly drives the magnetic platter architecture, with the magnets machined into the center of the platter. VPI specifically designed the system so the magnets do not interfere with the cartridge.

The concept is about more than simply turning the platter. VPI developed the magnetic-drive methodology as an additional vibration filter, mechanically separating critical parts of the drive system while maintaining precise platter rotation.

25-Pound Magnetic Aluminum Platter

The Avenger Reference uses a massive 25-pound 6061 aluminum magnetic-drive platter machined to extremely tight tolerances.

The platter works with VPI's inverted bearing system, which incorporates a hardened stainless-steel shaft, chrome-hardened ball, phosphor-bronze bushing and PEEK thrust disc.

The result is a substantial, highly controlled rotating platform designed to provide the cartridge with a stable foundation for retrieving the smallest information contained in the record groove.

Rim Drive + Analog Drive System

The Avenger Reference uses VPI's 300 RPM, 24-pole AC synchronous motor housed in a machined aluminum Rim Drive Motor assembly.

VPI's Analog Drive System (ADS) provides precise motor-speed control and fine speed adjustment.

Together, the magnetic platter, rim-drive motor assembly and ADS form the heart of the Avenger Reference drive system.

Fatboy 12" Gimbal Tonearm

The Avenger Reference comes standard with VPI's Fatboy Gimbal 12-3D tonearm with Nordost Reference internal wiring.

Its 12-inch architecture reduces tracking-angle error while the full gimbal bearing provides stability and repeatability during cartridge setup and playback.

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 counterweight
• Azimuth adjustment
• Adjustable VTA

Avenger Reference Isolation

The Avenger Reference chassis consists of three bonded layers of acrylic, aluminum and acrylic with damping material between them.

Three stainless-steel corner posts provide mechanical grounding, isolation and support for the tonearm assemblies.

The turntable also receives VPI's Avenger Reference Feet, combining machined aluminum, knurled cones, Delrin isolation and additional machined aluminum isolation components to further control unwanted mechanical energy.

VPI Periphery Ring Clamp

The Periphery Ring Clamp is included with the Avenger Reference.

Placed around the outer edge of the record, the ring helps flatten warped vinyl and improves contact between the record and platter, creating a more consistent surface for the cartridge to track.

Up to Three Tonearms

Like the other Avenger models, the Reference can accommodate up to three tonearms.

That makes it possible to build an exceptionally sophisticated analog front end using different cartridges and tonearms for different purposes.

A system could be configured with separate stereo and mono cartridges, different moving-coil cartridges, or entirely different tonearm and cartridge combinations.

The Avenger platform can also accommodate tonearms from other manufacturers and arms of different lengths, giving experienced analog enthusiasts enormous flexibility.

Key Specifications

• Drive System: Magnetic platter / Rim Drive
• Motor: 300 RPM, 24-pole AC synchronous
• Motor Control: VPI Analog Drive System
• Platter: 12" 6061 aluminum magnetic-drive platter
• Platter Weight: 25 lbs.
• Tonearm: VPI Fatboy Gimbal 12-3D
• Tonearm Wiring: Nordost Reference
• Bearing: Inverted bearing
• Chassis: Bonded acrylic/aluminum/acrylic
• Periphery Ring Clamp: Included
• Avenger Reference Feet: Included
• Tonearm Capacity: Up to three
• Wow & Flutter: 0.03%
• Speed Accuracy: 0.04%
• Rumble: 82 dB down
• Footprint: 23" × 20"
• Overall Dimensions: 27" × 23" × 13"
• Total Weight: 85 lbs.

The Ultimate Avenger

The differences between the three Avenger models become much clearer when you look at them as a progression.

The Avenger establishes the chassis and multi-tonearm platform.

The Avenger Plus adds the Fatboy Gimbal tonearm, Rim Drive, Analog Drive System and Periphery Ring.

The Avenger Reference takes the final step with VPI's magnetic-drive platter architecture and Reference isolation system, creating the highest-performance version of the Avenger platform.

Experience the VPI Avenger Reference at The Grid HiFi

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

A turntable at this level deserves to be treated as part of a complete analog system. Cartridge selection, phono stage matching, loading, isolation and precise setup can make an enormous difference in what the Avenger Reference ultimately delivers.

The Grid can help configure the complete system around the Avenger Reference, including moving-coil or 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-arm configurations.

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