VPI now making tube amps?

Myles B. Astor said:
AFAIK everything VPI sells analog-wise is made in the US. That includes the RCMS. Most of the parts are made in the US except say cuing levers that are only made by one company in Japan. HW is a dyed in the wool Union guy.
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I know the parts are made in the US, but I was told by one of their dealers that the RCMs are "assembled" in China (the parts are US of course which is what makes them so user serviceable). I knew the turntables were fully made in the US. So your saying the RCMs are fully made in the US as well? That's just a further good thing if so, for various reasons. It also means either the dealer was mis-informed or I did not hear correctly. Not a big deal or anything, just curious.
 
Myles B. Astor said:
Mike there's always some discussion re: VPI on audiogon; what I'm referring to, however, is the long term hatred and ripping VPI at any chance by several member of the forum. It's gotten much worse since they've relaxed moderation and at times, one is hard pressed to see the difference between audiogon and audioasylum.
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Wow! Does it ever stop? I already know that answer, sadly. I think VPI makes very good products personally (The tube amp is the first thing I ever questioned from them). I have not dealt with their customer service, so I can't speak to that, but at the same time the fact that I have not dealt with CS is a good sign. I only have the 16.5 RCM, but hey, it's a damn fine machine and does what it should. I like their new DD table, but I don't have a home to mortgage to get one of course. (Of course, I don't need a table right now, what I have is more than plenty for me).
 
MusicDirector said:
Wow! Does it ever stop? I already know that answer, sadly. I think VPI makes very good products personally (The tube amp is the first thing I ever questioned from them). I have not dealt with their customer service, so I can't speak to that, but at the same time the fact that I have not dealt with CS is a good sign. I only have the 16.5 RCM, but hey, it's a damn fine machine and does what it should. I like their new DD table, but I don't have a home to mortgage to get one of course. (Of course, I don't need a table right now, what I have is more than plenty for me).
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Keep an eye out then for the new Scout Jr.
 
I figured I would throw my hat in the ring since some of my workers who are in the building next door who are making the HW 16.5 and Cyclone stumbled upon this thread. The record cleaning machines and turntables are all made here at the VPI factory in Cliffwood New Jersey. We receive supplies and parts from our suppliers that are also located in New Jersey as well as New York and Pennsylvania. I'm sure if we really nit-picked we could find some screws and small parts that originated outside of the US. The closest we get to Chinese work is the fact that my guy making them is actually Chinese, actually our staff is essentially the League of Nations for different cultures, in fact I'm dating a Chinese girl! Working with VAS Audio (Steve Leung) is no different than when we worked with Dynavector and currently working with Soundsmith for OEM cartridges. The Inspiration 299D was designed and engineered between Harry and Steve. It is the "Inspiration" because it was inspired by the Scott which in Harry's retirement he got one off of ebay a few years ago. The casework is from overseas but it is still being assembled here in the VPI factory.

Regarding customer service and that Rega comment. After Sheila died from pancreatic cancer everything was in disarray and there was a huge transition that happened. When my mom and grandma ran the office we were 1/4 the size we are now. We have increased our office staff (yes grandma is still here too :)) and greatly increased our factory staff as well. We have also taken extensive steps to increase turntable education (I came from a teaching background). We have hosted dealer training events to certify our dealership and even plan to have customer training listening sessions as well. We are an inclusive brand, which roots from my mom's personality and attitude. In addition we have recently created our own dedicated forum for VPI customers to consult each other and have direct conversations with Harry.

Hope that helped cleared somethings up! :audiophile:
 
Welcome to the forum! Thank you so much for joining and the explanation. I've had dealings with Steve. I love that guy. He's awesome and well as your company. Thanks again.
 
Welcome VPI. Love my Classic 3. Maybe you can ask Harry to join here. Lots of VPI fans here.


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