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VPI Industries Avenger Reference
This model went through an evolution with the creation of our top-of-the-line Titan turntable using the same concept of the rim drive motor assembly driving the magnetic platter. The magnets are machined into the platter at the center and do not interfere with the owner’s cartridge. Our methodology is the ultimate vibration filter for a high-end system. Tonearm included. Cartridges are sold separately.
Features The Avenger chassis is three layers of bonded acrylic/aluminum/acrylic with damping material between layers.3 stainless steel corner posts for both isolation and tonearm mounting and for mechanical grounding (up to 3 will fit).Analog Drive System (ADS) for the utmost accuracy in motor speed and fine speed adjustments.Periphery Ring clamp for the ultimate in record warp reductionThe 300 RPM, 24 pole, AC synchronous motor in machined aluminum Rim Drive Motor assembly.The Inverted bearing features a hardened stainless steel shaft, 60 Rockwell chrome hardened ball, spinning in a phosphor bronze bushing, and sits on a PEEK thrust disc. The belt side load is placed at the center of the spinning bearing for zero teeter-totter effects.The 25 pound 6061 aluminum magnetic drive platter has an accuracy of +/- .001” in a 39” circumference.The motor pulley has an accuracy of +/- .0005” when leaving factory.Fatboy 12" Gimbal with Nordost Reference wire.Avenger Reference Feet – Machined aluminum, knurled cones set in a machined Delrin isolation pad that sites in a machined aluminum isolation pad for top of the line isolation and noise cancellation.
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Professional Reviews 88/100
Nicely Roasted
Sound Quality
90/100
Build Quality
86/100
Features Usability
81/100
Value for Money
85/100
The Avenger Reference is a formidable analogue platform, pairing inky-black backgrounds with spacious imaging, deep bass resolution and impressively stable timing. Audiophilepure found its transparent performance and effective ADS motor control reveal the character of premium tonearms, making this substantial deck a natural centrepiece for a no-compromise front end.
What Reviewers Are Saying
Pros
Delivers a transparent, spatially precise presentation with low-frequency extension, resolution and a notably quiet background.
The effective ADS motor controller and highly revealing platform expose meaningful differences between tonearms.
Built as a long-term, high-quality match for flagship cartridges and phono stages.
&
Cons
Its high-end cost is difficult to justify for listeners who can be satisfied by less expensive VPI models or competitors.
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 90/100
The reviews describe a highly capable source platform whose gains in transparency, spatial definition, low-frequency resolution and background quietness become dramatic in combination. It is presented as a serious match for flagship cartridges and phono stages, with the resolution to reveal differences between tonearms.
Overall Sound
92/100
Audiophile Pure heard meaningful cumulative improvements in transparency, spatial definition, bass extension and low-frequency resolution. The reviewer calls it a great unit and regards this level of turntable-and-arm performance as necessary to get the most from top-flight cartridges and phono stages.
Speed Stability
91/100
The specified 0.03% wow and flutter and 0.04% speed accuracy indicate precise rotation. In listening, the reviewer also found the new ADS motor controller effective, supporting confident timing and stable playback.
Tonearm Performance
87/100
The review found that changing tonearms made the largest audible differences, which suggests the Avenger Reference is transparent enough to show an arm's contribution clearly. It also describes the deck as performing very well with the arms tested, though the excerpts offer limited detail on the included arm's bearings, adjustments or tracking behavior.
Noise Isolation
90/100
The listening comparison identified greater background blackness among the Avenger Reference's audible advantages. Its specified rumble performance of 82dB down also points to a low mechanical noise floor, although the reviews provide little direct discussion of footfall or acoustic-feedback resistance.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
86/100
The Avenger Reference is a substantial 85lb platform, and the review frames it as a product bought with long-term ownership in mind. The available excerpts say little about fit and finish, bearing execution, platter construction or durability in use.
Features Usability
81/100
The ADS motor controller is a meaningful functional component, with the reviewer finding it effective in use. Beyond that, the supplied reviews say little about setup, speed selection, arm adjustment, cueing or convenience features.
Value for Money
85/100
At roughly $26,000-$28,600, this is an uncompromising high-end purchase rather than a conventional value proposition. One reviewer argues that the Avenger's price reflects a practical application of technology and physics, while also noting that strong analog sound is available from considerably cheaper VPI models and competitors.
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Authorized dealers for VPI Industries Avenger Reference
- Supreme Acoustic Systems — in-store — Las Vegas, Nevada, United States (website)
- Absolute Audio - Canada — in-store — Calgary, Alberta, Canada (website)
- Acoustic Sounds — online and in-store — Salina, Kansas, United States (website)
- Alpha High End — online and in-store — Brasschaat, Vlaams Gewest, Belgium (website)
- Alta Fedelta — online and in-store — Lombardia, Italy (website)
- American Sound — in-store — Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada (website)
- Analogue Seduction — online and in-store — Whittlesey, England, United Kingdom (website)
- Aris Audio — in-store — Salt Lake City, Utah, United States (website)
- Audio Advice — online and in-store — Raleigh, North Carolina, United States (website)
- Audio Advisor — online and in-store — Michigan, United States (website)
and 90 more verified dealers