"New" model VPI?

@dynamiclinearity...you state below that the new tonearm has a "removable" headshell? The pictures I’ve seen shows that’s not the case. Also, how do you know that the new parts can be used on the HW-19 series? Just curious.

I found this:

"The new 10″ VPI S-Tonearm is made from a solid chunk of aluminum, no tube here, and has a fixed headshell. The upcoming Model Two Turntable will include a new arm with a detachable headshell which gets us back to the Modular Design approach of the Forever Series—owners of a Model One can swap out their arm module for the upcoming Model Two or Model Three arm for an easy upgrade. The same goes for the Motor Drive and Platter Module. Nice!"

https://twitteringmachines.com/a-trip-to-vpi-to-meet-their-new-forever-series-model-one-turntable/

I believe, but not sure, it has a detachable headshell but not a conventional bayonet style. I guess we'll find out for sure at the Capital Audio Show. I do believe they will have a version of the arm with a conventional bayonet mount. I was told this when I mentioned I couldn't use my Technics EPC 100 MK4 with integrated headshell. They said that was coming.

I know Harry and Matt well and was around as the new table was being developed. And I recall Harry saying the new parts were designed to fit the HW-19 base. But having seen what's new that means basically just the base and the motor and pulley. 

It seems like VPI doesn't know how to build turntables anymore.

Every time it releases a new model, it goes in a different direction.

- Rim drive, direct drive, belt drive.

- Unipivot, dual pivot, gimbal.

- 3d-printed straight tonearm, solid aluminium S-shaped tonearm.

Seems like there is no knowledge transfer from model to model. 

A modern turntable these days is more than just mass-loading thick aluminium plates and calling it a day. I see no unique new technology or engineering techniques here that couldn't have been done 10 years ago.

The only good thing here is its relatively low price.

@chadsort: And it doesn't have any form of isolation, unlike their original HW-19 with it's spring suspension.