HW40 Black Edition vs HW40
The HW40 matches the HW40 Black Edition on platter weight (11.34 kg (25 lbs)), drive type (Direct), platter material (Aluminum), and weight (31.75 kg (70 lbs)).
AI-generated product photo — not official manufacturer imagery.
Estimated price (community-sourced)
Around — community and catalog average, updates slowly
The VPI HW-40 Black Edition is a flagship direct drive turntable celebrating VPI's 40th anniversary, limited to 400 units. It features a 12" aluminum platter weighing 25 lbs, driven by a highly efficient direct drive motor with 2.68 Nm/sec torque and 93% efficiency. The motor assembly is precision-machined from solid billet aluminum and uses a unique iron-less coil design to eliminate cogging and minimize vibration and noise. The platter spins on an inverted bearing with a PEEK thrust pad, ensuring minimal mechanical resonance. The turntable includes the JMW-12 Fatboy Gimbal tonearm, wired with Nordost Reference Wire, offering unparalleled rigidity and dynamic performance. The chassis combines aluminum and solid black walnut or machined acrylic sides for optimal damping. The system includes internal circuitry and power supply, a dust cover, and advanced vibration isolation feet. It offers a 1-second start/stop time and speed monitoring with 2,500 pulses per revolution, delivering exceptional speed stability and ultra-low wow and flutter. The HW-40 is made in the USA and comes with a 5-year warranty.
Turntable mechanics and performance
Tonearm specifications
Size, weight, and appearance
Specifications are community-contributed and may not be accurate or complete. Verify all details with the manufacturer before making purchasing decisions. Terms & Conditions
The closest alternatives on specs, description and the systems they turn up in, with the specs they share set side by side.
The HW40 matches the HW40 Black Edition on platter weight (11.34 kg (25 lbs)), drive type (Direct), platter material (Aluminum), and weight (31.75 kg (70 lbs)).
The SL-1000RE-S's platter weight is 7.9 kg (17 lbs) against the HW40 Black Edition's 11.34 kg (25 lbs) and its weight 40.2 kg (89 lbs) against 31.75 kg (70 lbs). Both share drive type (Direct) and platter material (Aluminum).
The Kronos Sparta's platter weight is 12 kg (26 lbs) against the HW40 Black Edition's 11.34 kg (25 lbs), its drive type Belt against Direct, and its weight 32 kg (71 lbs) against 31.75 kg (70 lbs). Both share platter material (Aluminum).
The Stabi M's platter weight is 12 kg (26 lbs) against the HW40 Black Edition's 11.34 kg (25 lbs), its drive type Belt against Direct, and its weight 60 kg (132 lbs) against 31.75 kg (70 lbs). Both share platter material (Aluminum).
Avenger Direct
Avenger Direct with VPI Line Upgrades
The specs and the pairings above are open to everyone. Sign up and you get the system builder, the assistant, a compatibility check against the gear you already own, and a watch on this product so a price or pairing change reaches you.
Sign up free