90%
VPI Industries VPI Forever - Model One
The VPI Forever Series ushers in a new era of performance and modularity, paying tribute to over 45 years of VPI heritage. This new series embodies VPI’s commitment to innovation, offering turntables that can evolve with the user. The Model One, the first release in this series, features a fully modular and upgradeable system, blending VPI’s engineering excellence with future-proof design.Extended Product Details
Dealers selling VPI Industries near you
The VPI Forever Model One serves up a musically satisfying, full-bodied presentation with crisp transients and impressive isolation, thanks to its heavy platter and three‑point elastomer suspension. Reviewers like Michael Fremer and Audiophilepure praise the modular build and speed stability. Its upgrade path and ten‑year warranty position it as a durable, high-value analog platform.
Pros
- Three-point elastomer suspension and floating subchassis deliver a very quiet background and outstanding image stability.
- Heavy 12" aluminum platter with inverted bearing yields excellent speed accuracy and rotational stability.
- Modular construction (swappable motor, platter and armboard) provides a clear upgrade path for long-term ownership.
&
Cons
- Swapping the tonearm requires unsoldering RCA leads, making arm changes more invasive for users.
- VTA and anti-skate adjustments aren’t quick on-the-fly tweaks; anti-skate uses O-rings that need careful setup.
Sound Quality
91/100
Weighted average of sub-criteria below.
Overall Sound
90/100
Reviewers consistently describe a full-bodied, texturally rich, rhythmically compelling presentation with clean transients and convincing decay. Tracking Angle calls the Model One 'vibrant and full-bodied' with 'texturally supple' mids and effective high-frequency transients; Audiophilepure's coverage of the suspended platform supports these subjective impressions.
Speed Stability
92/100
Both reviews highlight excellent rotational stability driven by the heavy 12" aluminum platter and inverted ceramic/steel bearing; Tracking Angle explicitly calls speed accuracy and consistency 'outstanding' and notes the design avoids 'porch glider' anomalies. Compatibility with VPI's ADS controller is noted as an upgrade path for even better electronic control.
Tonearm Performance
89/100
The included 255mm gimbal arm is detailed as a well-executed, low-friction design with ABEC-5 bearings, wide VTA range, azimuth adjustment and premium internal wiring; reviewers report it delivers excellent rides for multiple cartridges. The praise is strong though not hyperbolic; it's clearly a high-quality, practical arm but not framed as revolutionary.
Noise Isolation
91/100
Both sources emphasize the effectiveness of the new three-point, elastomer-based suspension and floating subchassis, noting a very quiet background, outstanding image stability and immunity to external knocks. Tracking Angle's 'zero audible mistracking' and Audiophilepure's description of the Sorbothane-isolated floating slab support this high mark.
Show Less
Build Quality
90/100
CNC-machined aluminum components, a heavy 20 lb platter, inverted ceramic/steel bearing, substantial 0.625" upper plate and solid oak frame are all cited; reviewers call the mechanical execution reliable and modular. The construction is presented as thoughtful and robust for the price class, with modularity allowing future upgrades (motor, platter, bearing, armboard).
Features Usability
85/100
Includes a high-quality, adjustable tonearm and a modular platform allowing easy swaps of motor/platter/arms; compatibility with VPI's ADS speed controller adds convenience. There is no mention of built-in phono electronics or digital outputs, so while setup and mechanical features are strong, feature set is centered on high-end analog flexibility rather than extra connectivity or plug-and-play conveniences.
Value for Money
88/100
Reviewers present the Model One as a compelling offering in the ~$5k range: Tracking Angle calls it a 'must stop' for buyers moving up from entry-level decks and notes an included ten-year warranty in one review. Even accounting for slight price-reporting discrepancies between sources, commentary frames the deck as justifying its price with strong sonic performance, build quality and upgradeability.
Reviews
Online Reviews & Mentions
YouTube Reviews
Forum Mentions
No forum mentions found yet
FAST, EASY & NEAR
Find VPI Industries Verified Dealers Near You
VPI Industries dealers in the map