The VPI Model One turntable has made its debut as the initial model in VPI's new Forever Series. With a modular design approach, this turntable reflects a shift in VPI's design philosophy, emphasizing adaptability and long-term upgradeability over traditional product replacement. VPI, known for its legacy in high-end turntable manufacturing, leverages its expertise to make the Model One a highly adaptable device intended to grow with the needs of its users.

The Model One’s modular construction is its defining feature, with a primary focus on a motor drive and platter module mounted on a durable aluminum plate. This plate is equipped with resonance-dampening material, intended to reduce vibrations and enhance audio clarity.

This module’s adaptability allows users to not only service and adjust their unit easily but also replace or upgrade it as future models in the Forever Series are released. VPI emphasizes this capability, suggesting that users of Model One will be able to transition to Model Two or even Model Three specifications through simple component upgrades rather than replacing the entire turntable.

The Model One's modular design fits seamlessly into VPI’s vision for the Forever Series, providing owners a clear upgrade path. By allowing future models to integrate with the existing platform, VPI aims to offer users a degree of flexibility and customization that is rare in the turntable market.

“To create the new Forever Series, VPI asked its customers what they wanted from a premium turntable, as well as how they would like it to look and sound. This feedback, combined with the company’s expertise in audio craftsmanship, has resulted in three incredibly special turntables," said Managing Director, John Carroll.

"I was thrilled when I first heard Model One and immediately knew it would be extremely popular. The sound reproduction is detailed and accurate, showcasing all VPI’s best qualities. VPI says its performance is reminiscent of the VPI Signature turntable, a model that costs almost twice as much."

Central to the Model One’s performance is a 500 RPM belt-driven motor with an inverted bearing, designed to reduce friction by minimizing contact between the platter and bearing surface. This configuration is built for durability and smooth operation, providing consistent playback speed through a two-speed pulley mechanism. 

Such attention to minimizing contact friction is intended to reduce the wear and tear often seen in high-friction components, potentially extending the product’s operational lifespan.

The Model One also features VPI’s new S-Tonearm Module. This 10-inch tonearm, with a statically balanced, S-shaped form, is constructed from solid aluminum, which is engineered to dampen resonances that can interfere with sound quality.

To optimize precision, the tonearm’s height can be adjusted through a Vertical Tracking Adjustment feature, while the Azimuth adjustment in the headshell allows users to fine-tune the stylus alignment. This tonearm’s design is enhanced by ABEC 5 bearings that further reduce friction and eliminate unnecessary mechanical noise, contributing to a smooth, reliable performance.

For signal purity, VPI has designed the tonearm with a continuous length of high-purity copper wire extending from the headshell to the RCA connections. This uninterrupted wiring is intended to reduce potential interference in the audio signal, offering a direct path for sound transmission from the record to the amplifier, which can enhance audio clarity.

Another important component of the VPI Model One is its 3-Point Floating Suspension system. VPI developed this system with the goal of isolating the turntable from both internal and external vibrations, thereby enhancing playback stability. This isolation mechanism is built to reduce noise generated by the motor, providing a more stable platform for the stylus to track the grooves accurately without interference from vibration-related distortions.

The suspension system uses a 3D isolation approach to maintain stability while minimizing the impact of vibrations from external sources, such as footfalls or ambient noise, and internal sources, including motor vibrations.

The VPI Model One is styled with a classic black ash veneer, giving it a timeless appearance that aligns with the brand’s legacy models. The clear, hinged dust cover provides practical protection for the platter, while also complementing the design, ensuring the turntable remains unobtrusive in various home setups.

The VPI Model One is currently available through authorized dealers, with a listed price of $5,250 in the United States and £4,990 in the United Kingdom. Additionally, the Model One comes with a 10-year warranty.