VPI Direct Drive Turntable

Remember, coming out with something new is FAR more important than coming out with something better. Sad but true, manufacturers have learned that doing something new, whether it's not quite as good, or as good, or better, will generate interest and sales. So many just keep spitting out new things, often with no logical progression apparent. One motor, then one motor with multiple pulleys, claiming progress. Then one motor, no extra pulleys, saying that's simpler and better sounding. Then flywheel. Then no flywheel. Then rim drive. Oops, then the "best we've ever made" comes out with no rim drive. Now direct drive.

If you think that represents a lack of clear thinking proper research before putting things out, don't be fooled. It's very clear thinking - ABOUT MAKING MORE MONEY!

More changes, more self-proclaimed breakthroughs = more sales to the guys who always fall for a new idea, always hoping for progress, always believing new is better.

Thanks Don. I hate the reality of my statements, it makes it hard to be in the hobby and business knowing so many are just milking and bilking consumers.

Free trade is indeed free trade. Nobody is evil just because they wish to make a profit.

For many folks that I have talked to the irritation over VPI stems from VPI's continued middle of the road (at best) quality and constant changes to their products, claiming each different, new direction they turn to be the right one.

Folks in audio don't like to think of their passion as one that companies directly try to milk for all the dollars they can. Yet, I think many don't mind a company making a fair profit. I believe the consumers wish to have some trust that the companies supplying gear share the passion that they, the consumers do, and wish the companies would only put forth product that was truly better, not just equivalent product with a different look or technology to get them to spend more money.

There are indeed some companies that handle that consumer trust admirably, and that share the passion of the consumer to go only in a direction that means truly better performance. Of course the companies have to make money, but they temper it by thinking of the consumer and trying to do the best for that consumer.

It is a delicate balance. Those that get angry at VPI seem to feel that VPI mainly has a drive for one thing: more money. More changes, not for better performance, but just to keep the money spinning.

Dreadhead, I'm curious. You say "I love records and still have some my original mono recordings from the sixties. I am inspired by vinyls resurrection but the recent advances in technology and the high costs have left me no option but to reexamine my priorities."

Is this directed mostly toward the price of the equipment, the records, or both?

Many will be afraid to be speak out as you did, Tubes108, for fear of the loyalists deriding you. But I know of several experiences like yours. Typically these folks are not forum folks (forums represent a small minority just like talk radio does) and they just quietly move on to a different company.