VPI Signature 21 Turntable - Rosewood

VPI Signature 21: Fatboy Gimbal Tonearm on a 66-Pound Turntable

VPI describes the Signature 21 as luxury and performance in one package. It combines aluminum, stainless steel and 3D-printed technology, and VPI says over 40 years of refinement led up to it. This listing is the limited-edition Rosewood finish.

It pairs a 12-inch, 20-pound aluminum platter with VPI's Fatboy Gimbal 10-3D tonearm. The complete turntable weighs 66 pounds.

Fatboy Gimbal 10-3D Tonearm

The Fatboy uses a full gimbal bearing and Nordost Reference wire inside. Its 3D-printed body combines epoxy resin and Delrin with copper, aluminum and steel. VPI says the 3D arm is heat and UV-light resistant.

Layered Chassis and Signature Weight

The chassis combines vinyl-wrapped MDF, aluminum and stainless steel. A Signature record weight comes in the box.

Precise 300 RPM Drive

A separate 300 RPM motor drives the platter with a belt. VPI measures each motor pulley to +/- .0005 inch at the factory. VPI rates wow and flutter at .03%, speed accuracy at .04% and rumble at 82 dB down.

How the Signature 21 Fits Your System

The Signature 21 plays 33 and 45 RPM records using a two-step motor pulley. It has no built-in phono preamp, and VPI's packing list does not include a cartridge. You will need both a cartridge and a phono stage.

Plan for a 19.5 x 13.75-inch footprint, an 11-inch height and 66 pounds. VPI recommends a sturdy third-party isolation top-plate and a stand that can carry the weight.

Who Is This Turntable Best For?

• Serious vinyl listeners — VPI rates its speed accuracy at .04% and rumble at 82 dB down.
• Cartridge owners — you choose and mount the cartridge that suits your system.
• Fine-tuners — the Fatboy adjusts for counterweight, azimuth and VTA.
• Future upgraders — VPI offers a periphery ring clamp, Reference feet and the Analog Drive System.
• Not for — small or light-duty shelves; it is 21 3/8 inches wide and weighs 66 pounds.

How Does It Connect to Your System?

• Make sure your shelf or top-plate is level, then set the chassis and place the motor in the left cutout.
• Peel the tape off the bearing hole, remove the spindle cap and lower the platter on.
• Loop the belt around the platter and motor pulley; it self-corrects as the platter spins.
• Mount your cartridge using the supplied alignment jig, force gauge and azimuth hardware.
• Connect a phono cable from the turntable to your phono preamp or phono input.
• Available in Black and limited-edition Rosewood; this listing is Rosewood.

Pairs Well With

Complete your Signature 21 setup with:

• Phono Cartridges
• Phono Preamplifiers
• Turntable Cables
• Audio Racks

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Signature 21 come with a cartridge?

No. VPI's Signature 21 packing list does not include a cartridge, so you choose and mount your own.

How do I switch between 33 and 45 RPM?

Move the belt to the matching step on the two-step motor pulley. VPI's optional Analog Drive System improves speed accuracy and adjustment.

How does it differ from the Prime 21?

The Signature 21 uses the Fatboy Gimbal 10-3D arm with Nordost Reference wire. VPI rates its wow and flutter at .03%, against .05% for the Prime 21. It weighs 66 pounds, against 44 pounds for the Prime 21.

What warranty does it carry?

VPI warrants the Signature 21 for five years from purchase by the original retail purchaser. Register your turntable online with VPI.

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