VPI Industries HR-X Classic Platter, 12" 3D arm. Gorgeous! Latest spec HRX!

Even more (28!) high res photos available at: http://www.davidparisphotography.com/temp/stereo/hrx.html (Hope your browser window is 1900 pixels wide!)

I did some price history research, and for a quick sale I'm intentionally listing this below the lowest price I've ever found an HR-X go for on Audiogon with this, the latest top of the line spec from VPI. VPI changed their configuration for the HR-X over the years, and this is the latest model they offered, with the Classic precision machined aluminum platter, the Classic Signature feet, the elegantly rounded top feet posts that integrate beautifully with the feet, the flat black dual motor including black top plates, and of course, the upgraded JMW 12" 3D armwand, a $2000 upgrade over the aluminum arm. All this makes this the most elegant looking HR-X to date. There are two other HR-X's on Audiogon right now over $8250, one without the 3D arm! This also comes with the periphery ring clamp, HRX center clamp, and SDS. Minor accessories included: manual for both SDS and turntable, JMW Memorial Tonearm Alignment Jig, Azimuth rod, VPI platter mat, VPI strobe disc, unused tracking force gauge, and cartridge screws. Everything ships in the factory three boxes with all original packing material. The last time Music Direct offered this table WITHOUT the 3D arm it was $15,000. Google it. The 3D Arm would make it $17,000. No cartridge is included despite being shown in the photos (I was still using the table when I took them!).

I personally believe this is a finer table than the Avenger, their current reference table. After all, the Avenger was actually originally a prototype BEFORE the HR-X came out. If you listen to Mat Wesfeld talk about the current line, it's all about streamlining their offerings, with fewer SKUs, and turntables people can "fit in their homes." There's videos all over youtube where he says this. Yes, this table is a few inches wider than the Avenger, but that aside the technology is pretty similar and there are several people who have done a direct comparison and preferred the more massive HR-X with its dual motor + flywheel, not included in the Avenger. The reason for the Avenger seems to be more marketing driven (smaller footprint) than engineering/sound. It also boggles my mind that I'm asking less money for this table than it costs to buy a brand new VPI Prime Signature once you add the Periphery ring and SDS (which would dial in at $8500). Why would anyone buy the Prime Signature that retails for less than half this when you could have the latest spec HR-X?

FYI I have also tried this table with the VPI Rim Drive setup, and included a photo showing this configuration. The Rim Drive is NOT included. Classic platters with belt indentations all the way up the platter won't work with the Rim Drive, but as you can see from the photos, there is enough clearance here to get a perfect contact with the platter while clearing the periphery ring. So, if you ever wanted to upgrade to a Rim Drive, it WILL work with this particular Classic Platter. Again, Rim drive is NOT included in the sale here.

Audiogon scales these photos so small that I've put a page together with all the high res photos so you can really see what you're getting! Please visit the page at the top of this listing. As you can see, the condition of the table is absolutely fantastic, with a glossy sheen and striking beauty. I have tried to detail every potential "defect" I could find in the photos, so that there are no surprises. Every used piece of equipment has SOME marks, I'm just actually showing them to you unlike the vast majority of sales where you find these minor marks (even if no one will ever notice them) only after you receive it. Hey, I'm picky too, so I know how it goes! There are three such marks that I took photos of: 1. a minor scratch on the edge of the periphery ring. 2. A minor ding on the top of the periphery ring in one location. This is only on the top side, not on the record surface, and has absolutely no bearing on contact or performance. This is very thin metal here and is a common spot to get a mark. 3. A scratch on the back left of the plinth. I had to get the lighting JUST right so that you could see this mark. Moving my tripod an inch in one direction and it wouldn't be as obvious, so its exaggerated in the photo (I bet you can't see it in the other photo).

As this is quite an expensive item, I will not eat the PayPal fees. If you want to use a credit card with PayPal, please add 3%. I will also accept PayPal Friends and Family for no fee. I will charge real shipping fees to your location, but as these are three boxes totaling 144lbs, that is expected to be around $320 to the east coast, $220 on the west coast. I can give actual shipping quotes on request. Local pickup is of course offered.