News

Fresh from updating its Prime family of turntables (Prime Scout HFC 422), VPI has released the Player, its entry-level deck. Built as a complete solution with a moving-magnet phono stage and headphone amplifier on board, it consists of a non-resonant MDF chassis with an aluminium platter. The 9in tonearm uses bearings rather than the unipivot principle seen on VPI’s more upmarket decks and comes premounted with an Ortofon 2M Red cartridge as part of the £1,500 package. The Player leaves the factory in a pre-configured condition, meaning owners only need to carry out a very simple setup procedure to start playing LPs. 

The internal amplifier with a volume control means the Player performs as a standalone music system when connected to headphones (not supplied) fitted with a 3.5mm jack. Even though the Player is designed to perform as a complete plug’n’play solution, the built-in phono stage can be bypassed so that an external one can be used. There are also upgrades available for the plinth’s feet, platter and tonearm from the VPI accessories portfolio. The Player is available in white and costs £1,500. Look out for our review in HFC 431 or visit UK distributor Renaissance Audio to find out more.