VPI Avenger Reference is a turntable with rim drive, a magnetic platter and the Fatboy Gimbal 12-3D tonearm
Avenger Reference is the most complete version of the three-post Avenger chassis. In its current form it adopts the principle developed for the Titan, VPI's top model: a rim drive motor unit that spins a magnetic platter. It plays 33 and 45 rpm records and accepts as many as three tonearms, whatever their maker and length.
The magnets, machined into the central area of the platter, have no effect on the cartridge; VPI states that this arrangement works as a filter against vibration. The chassis bonds one aluminium layer between two of acrylic, with damping material from one to the next, and is locked by three steel isolating corner posts, three bolts and the bearing assembly. The posts, fitted with knobs for adjusting height and levelling the turntable, connect to cone stabilisers resting on isolation bases of machined Delrin with ball bearings, similar to those of the Prime. The 6061 aluminium arm boards are adjustable. The aluminium platter is 5 cm thick; the external ADS supply for speed adjustment, the HR-X clamp and the steel periphery ring complete the set. The finish is black lacquer.
Key features
- Rim drive motor unit acting on a platter with magnets at its centre
- Speeds of 33 and 45 rpm, with external ADS supply
- 12-inch aluminium platter (about 30.5 cm), weighing about 11.3 kg
- Synchronous AC motor, 24 poles, 300 rpm
- Wow and flutter 0.03%, speed accuracy 0.04%, rumble 82 dB down
- Footprint about 584 x 508 mm; overall dimensions about 686 x 584 x 330 mm
- Total weight about 38.6 kg
Supplied tonearm
The tonearm is the Fatboy Gimbal 12-3D, with a full gimbal bearing and Nordost Reference internal wiring. It measures 300 mm from arm pivot to platter spindle and 313 mm in effective length, with 12.5 g of effective mass, 13 mm of overhang and an offset angle of 17.37 degrees; the stated average RMS distortion is 0.267%. Its 3D-technology construction uses epoxy resin, Delrin, copper, aluminium and steel, among other materials. Adjustments cover the dropped counterweight, side weights for azimuth and VTA; the connection is of the Limo type.
Available accessories
For Avenger Reference VPI lists further tonearms, extra arm boards for tonearms from other makers and pneumatic suspension feet.
