VPI - Signature DS - Turntable - Rosewood

Signature-Series Engineering with a 20-Pound Aluminum Platter

The VPI Signature DS brings key design elements from the Signature 21 to a more accessible high-end turntable. Its double-stacked chassis, steel damping plate, 20-pound aluminum platter, HW-40 isolation feet, and 10-inch Gimbal 3D tonearm create a substantial platform for a carefully selected phono cartridge.

A phono cartridge is not included. The Signature DS is intended for listeners who want to choose a cartridge that matches their phono preamplifier and system. Professional cartridge installation is recommended if you are unfamiliar with alignment, tracking force, VTA, azimuth, and anti-skating adjustments.

A Double-Stacked Chassis Built for Stability

The chassis combines two layers of vinyl-wrapped MDF with a steel damping plate. This layered construction provides a rigid, high-mass foundation for the platter bearing and tonearm while controlling unwanted chassis resonance.

Four adjustable HW-40 isolation feet support the chassis. Derived from VPI’s anniversary-edition HW-40 turntable, these feet help isolate the Signature DS from vibration transmitted through the equipment rack or floor. The turntable should still be placed on a rigid, level, low-resonance surface.

A 20-Pound Platter Driven by an Isolated Motor

The 12-inch aluminum platter weighs 20 pounds, giving the Signature DS substantial rotational mass. VPI specifies 0.05% wow and flutter, 0.05% speed accuracy, and rumble 80 dB down.

A 300 rpm AC synchronous motor sits in a separate aluminum-and-steel housing within the chassis cutout. This arrangement keeps the motor mechanically separate from the plinth. The precision-machined pulley is specified to an accuracy of ±0.0005 inch.

The Signature DS plays 33⅓ and 45 rpm records. Changing speed requires moving the belt between the two pulley diameters. VPI’s optional Analog Drive System provides electronic speed adjustment and is sold separately.

Full-Gimbal 10-Inch 3D Tonearm

The included Gimbal 10-3D tonearm uses a full-gimbal bearing rather than VPI’s traditional unipivot arrangement. Its 3D-printed arm structure incorporates epoxy resin, Delrin, copper, aluminum, and steel, with VPI copper-weave internal wiring.

The arm provides fine tracking-force adjustment along with adjustable vertical tracking angle and azimuth. Mechanical anti-skating hardware is also included. Its 10.2-gram effective mass supports compatibility with a broad selection of cartridges, but the final match should be confirmed using the cartridge manufacturer’s weight and compliance specifications.

Is the VPI Signature DS Right for You?

• Built for a serious custom analog system: Choose it if you want to select your own cartridge and phono stage instead of buying a preset package.
• Cartridge and phono stage required: Neither is included or built into the turntable.
• Substantial support required: The turntable weighs 44 pounds and needs a rigid, level platform with enough room for its motor and tonearm.
• Hands-on setup expected: The platter, motor, belt, tonearm, isolation feet, and cartridge require installation or adjustment.
• Manual speed change: Switching between 33⅓ and 45 rpm requires moving the belt unless an optional speed controller is added.
• Dust cover sold separately: A protective cover is not included.

Setup, Compatibility & What’s Included

The Signature DS includes the Gimbal 10-3D tonearm, motor assembly, 20-pound platter, four HW-40 feet, stainless-steel record weight, alignment jig, digital stylus-force gauge, azimuth rod, counterweight, finger lift, drive belt, setup tools, power cord, and instructional flash drive.

You must add a compatible phono cartridge, phono preamplifier, and shielded interconnects between the turntable’s junction box and phono stage. A dust cover, VPI Analog Drive System, periphery ring, upgraded feet, and isolation base are optional.