VPI Prime 21 Plus Turntable - Walnut - No Cartridge

The Prime 21 Platform, Sold Without Its Factory Cartridge

This listing shares VPI's Prime 21 platform in full — the machined aluminum top plate, HW-40 isolation feet, and 10-inch Gimbal 3D tonearm that define the model — but ships without a cartridge, so you choose the model that fits your system.

VPI's own Prime 21+ package name normally refers specifically to the version bundling a factory-fitted VPI Shyla moving-coil cartridge and a Nordost-built Weisline tonearm cable. Neither is included here; the mechanical platform underneath is otherwise identical.

This turntable is fully manual, with no built-in phono preamp and no electronic speed control, so it needs a separate phono stage and a belt move between 33⅓ and 45 rpm.

Where This Platform Earns Its Keep

A Braced Top Plate, Carried Over in Full

The machined aluminum top plate reinforces the sculpted MDF chassis around the platter bearing, tonearm mount, and motor opening, the three places where flex costs the most in tracking accuracy.

VPI's HW-40 isolation feet, developed for the company's own five-figure anniversary turntable, carry over unchanged here, giving the chassis a lower profile and genuinely better isolation than the feet used on earlier Prime models overall.

A Fully Adjustable Gimbal Tonearm

The 10-inch Gimbal 3D tonearm replaces the unipivot design used on earlier Prime models, giving cueing a steadier, more repeatable feel while its 3D-printed structure combines epoxy resin, Delrin, copper, aluminum, and steel.

Tracking force, VTA, azimuth, and anti-skate all adjust for accurate cartridge setup, and the arm's 10.2-gram effective mass suits a genuinely broad range of cartridge weights and compliances out there.

What Reviewers Are Saying

What Hi-Fi? called the cartridge-equipped Prime 21+ package "one of the class leaders at this level," praising its "bold and controlled presentation" and "dynamic expression and insight."

That verdict describes the same chassis this listing shares, tested with the factory Shyla cartridge this particular version doesn't include.

Who Is This VPI Turntable Best For?

• You want the Prime 21's full chassis upgrades without a pre-selected cartridge: the top plate, HW-40 feet, and Gimbal tonearm are identical to the cartridge-equipped 21+ package
• You already own a cartridge you want to keep using: mount it straight onto the Gimbal tonearm instead of paying for a Shyla you'd have to remove
• You want a specific cartridge VPI doesn't offer as standard: choosing your own opens up options beyond the factory Shyla moving-coil pairing
• You already have (or plan to add) a phono stage: no cartridge means no built-in phono preamp either, so it needs a compatible Phono preamplifiers
• You want to specify the cartridge and cable yourself — both choices stay open — start with our phono cartridges

How Does It Connect to Your System?

The output jacks need a phono preamp that matches your chosen cartridge — an MM input for a moving-magnet design, or a compatible high-gain MC stage for a moving-coil. Never connect this turntable straight into a standard line-level input.

After mounting your chosen cartridge, balance the tonearm and set tracking force, VTA, azimuth, and anti-skate to that cartridge maker's own instructions. Switching between 33⅓ and 45 rpm means moving the belt to the other step on the motor pulley.

Pairs Well With

What finishes the system around this VPI turntable:

• Phono cartridges — the Gimbal tonearm's 10.2g effective mass suits a wide range of moving-magnet and moving-coil cartridges
• Phono preamplifiers — required since no cartridge (or built-in phono stage) is included
• Audio racks — a firm, level, vibration-free shelf a turntable this substantial actually needs
• Record cleaning machines — a clean groove matters even more once resolution stops being the limiting factor

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this listing include the Shyla cartridge?

It doesn't. VPI's official Prime 21+ designation refers to the version bundling a factory-fitted Shyla moving-coil cartridge and Weisline tonearm cable; this listing ships without either.

Is the chassis different from the base Prime 21?

It isn't. The top plate, HW-40 feet, and Gimbal 3D tonearm are the same hardware used across VPI's whole current Prime 21 lineup.

Does it have a built-in phono preamp?

It doesn't. You need an external phono preamp, or an amplifier with a phono input, that matches your cartridge's type and output.

How do I change speed from 33⅓ to 45 rpm?

Move the drive belt to the other step on the motor pulley. VPI's optional Analog Drive System adds electronic speed selection.

Which cable should I use if not the Weisline?

Any quality shielded tonearm cable terminated for the Gimbal 3D tonearm's connector works; the Weisline is a specific upgrade VPI bundles only with the cartridge-equipped 21+ package.

See It in Action

A focused introduction to the VPI Prime 21 and Prime 21 Plus:

Why Audio Advisor?

• 40+ Years of Expertise — Since 1981, we've helped over a million music lovers find the right gear.
• 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee — Take your time. Listen, enjoy, and make sure it's right for you.
• Real Experts, Real Help — Our team is here to answer your questions at 800-942-0220, weekdays 9am–6pm EST.
• Free Shipping — On orders over $49, delivered to your door.
• Flexible Payment Options — Financing available so you can start listening now.

Learn More

Want to learn more about turntable setup, choosing a cartridge, or getting the most from a high-mass turntable? Visit our Learning Center for guides, tips, and expert advice.