VPI HW-40
High-end turntables · 2018–present In production
£18,000 UK RRP
VPI's 40th-anniversary direct-drive flagship — a rare direct-drive from a brand famous for belt decks, with the Fatboy gimbal arm.
VPI's landmark move into high-end direct drive.
Model history: Built to mark VPI's 40th anniversary, the HW-40 is described by the company as an evolution of its Class A+ Classic Direct design, carrying over the direct-drive motor concept while adding updated motion-control electronics, an ironless-coil cogging-free motor, and the new Fatboy tonearm with ABEC-9 bearings.
Checked against the manufacturer’s site: 2026-07
Who it suits
Best suited to: an established system where the amp, speakers and room can resolve what this deck retrieves from the groove. Less ideal for: a first turntable — the same budget goes much further spent on mid-range separates first.
Compatibility and setup
- Manual operation: you cue and lift the tonearm by hand at the start and end of each side — there’s no auto-return or auto-lift.
Good to know
- No built-in phono stage — use an amplifier with a phono input or add a separate phono preamplifier.
- Sold without a cartridge fitted — budget for a compatible cartridge and setup before first use.
- Professional setup of tracking force, alignment, azimuth and arm height is worth budgeting for at this level.
Specifications
| Drive | direct drive |
|---|---|
| Speeds | 33/45 rpm |
| Operation | manual |
| Cartridge included | sold bare |
| Built-in phono stage | No |
| USB output | No |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Platter | aluminium |
| Tonearm | VPI Fatboy 3D |
| Dimensions | Footprint 21¾" x 16¾"; overall 22" x 17" x 10" (W x D x H) |
| Weight | 31.75 kg |
| Finishes | Black Edition: aluminium chassis; Anniversary Edition: aluminium with solid Black Walnut (stained) side panels, limited to 400 units |
| Warranty | 5 years (parts and workmanship), per VPI's official Warranty & Return Policy |
| Years | 2018–present |
How it sits in the catalogue
Its direct-drive mechanism is shared by 18% of current models in the database (29 of 159). On price it sits toward the top of its category — 89% of priced high-end decks cost less.
Live merchant offers
Checking current in-stock offers for VPI HW-40…
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