Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
All
Cliffwood Tonearms
reviews
Manufacturer details
Bearing Type: Gimbal Yoke
Internal Wire: VPI Copper weave
Pivot to spindle: 223mm
Effective length: 240.7mm
Effective Mass: 10.6g
Overhang: 17.7mm
Offset angle: 22.85 degrees
Average RMS distortion: .36%
Material: Aluminum
Product Notes: Adjustable Counterweight
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- VPI turntables utilize a multi-layered plinth construction, often combining acrylic, stainless steel, and MDF, to create a highly inert and resonance-controlled base.
- They embrace 3D printing technology in their tonearm designs, allowing for complex shapes and optimized resonance control within a one-piece structure.
- The brand provides a family-owned business experience, with readily available support and a direct connection to the designers, emphasizing long-term product viability and customer care.
Select products
VPI Cliffwood
- Positioning: The entry-level turntable, designed for those new to high-fidelity audio.
- Description: Offers a solid performance with its aluminum platter and Cliffwood tonearm, making it a great choice for beginners. Unlike the more advanced models like the Prime X, it focuses on simplicity and ease of use, which is ideal for small rooms and those with a limited budget. It lacks the advanced isolation and tonearm options found in higher-end models, making it less suitable for those seeking extensive customization or the highest sound quality.
VPI Prime X
- Positioning: A high-performance turntable that sits above the Scout 21, offering advanced features for serious audiophiles.
- Description: Stands out with its 3D-printed JMW-12 tonearm and HW-40 isolation feet, providing superior sound isolation and detail retrieval compared to the Scout 21. It lacks the multi-tonearm capability of the Avenger, which might be a consideration for users looking for maximum flexibility.
VPI Avenger
- Positioning: A top-tier model designed for audiophiles seeking maximum flexibility and performance.
- Description: Features a unique three-layer chassis and ability to mount up to three tonearms, making it a standout choice for those who want to experiment with different audio setups. It offers superior isolation and sound quality compared to the Signature DS.
VPI Titan
- Positioning: The flagship model, offering groundbreaking performance and technology.
- Description: Features a pneumatic air-suspension system and analog-based oscillators for exceptional stability and sound purity, setting it apart from the Avenger and other models. Its high cost and advanced features make it suitable for those who are deeply invested in high-end audio and have the space to accommodate its large footprint.
Our take on the brand
Look inside the brand
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
Technologically, two standout innovations set VPI apart:
Our use of 3D printing technology and our proprietary 3-phase BLD motor and processing system. The 3D-printed tonearms represent a major leap forward in precision, damping, and performance—offering sonic benefits that traditional manufacturing struggles to match. Our 3-phase motor system, paired with advanced control processing, delivers superior speed stability and vibration isolation. Both are significant engineering achievements in turntable design and performance.
From a broader philosophy, what truly differentiates us is our identity—we're a family-owned company, still run by the original family, now heading into a third generation. Every table is made in America, built by a small but dedicated team, and reflects a hands-on, personal commitment to craftsmanship and legacy that's hard to find today.
What's your approach to customer support?
We always recommend that customers first reach out to their original retailer—dealer or distributor—as they are often the quickest path to help. However, if the dealer is unavailable or the issue goes beyond their scope, we're absolutely here and ready to jump in.
Customers can contact us directly by email or phone, and we do our best to respond as quickly as possible. What sets us apart is our commitment to hands-on support—if needed, we'll FaceTime or Zoom with customers to walk them through setup, troubleshooting, or fine-tuning. We've even invited customers to the factory when they're nearby. We take support personally because we take our customers personally—when you buy a VPI, you're part of the family.
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
- Take Five – Dave Brubeck: The rhythm, the horn work, and the overall layering make this an ideal track for evaluating instrumental balance and clarity. Personally, it holds a special place—it was a favorite of mine and my wife back when we were dating, and my father, Harry Weisfeld (VPI's founder), used it to teach me about soundstage and timing. It's both a sentimental and technical go-to.
- Dr. Ackbar – Bob and Ray's Stereo Spectacular: This is a wild, lesser-known gem. It's a spoken-word journey through a castle/laboratory that plays with spatial cues and stereo effects in a way that's perfect for system testing. When your setup is dialed in, you should feel like you're physically in the space—with voices and effects coming from pinpoint locations around you.
- 64 Dodge – Greg Brown: This track gives me everything I need when checking a system—vocals, guitar tone, and fine detail. I grew up listening to it, so I know exactly how it should sound. When something's off, I can hear it immediately; when it's right, this track just sings.
What other products pair best with yours?
Tough to pick just one, but Nordost cables are often paired with VPI by both customers and retail partners—and for good reason. The synergy between Nordost and our turntables brings out incredible detail and clarity. That said, two standout system pairings we've seen a lot this past year include:
System 1:
- VPI Industries
- VAC Amplifiers
- Acora Speakers
- Cardas Cables
System 2:
- VPI Industries
- Audio Research
- Wilson Audio
- Nordost Cables
Each of these combinations delivers a beautiful blend of musicality, precision, and dynamic range—exactly what analog lovers are chasing.
Used
VPI
What if you spend more?
The TP 160 is a nine-inch radial arm in the medium weight class. Its favorable mass distribution and high strength make it the ideal support for the finest cartridges. These fit into the standard original headshell, which has been newly designed along with the arm. Alternatively, the TP 160 also accommodates any other headshell with SME bayonet or integrated cartridges like the Ortofon SPU. Since the effective lengths of different cartridges can vary slightly, we have also provided for axial adjustment of the arm tube to ensure perfect overhang at all times.
.svg)
Our summary
Product Strengths
- The TP 160 tonearm combined with the TD 1600 offers quality that is hard to beat
- The TP 160 is stable, rigid, extremely smooth-running, and comprehensively adjustable
- The TP 160's low-friction design allows the TAS 1600 cartridge to operate more precisely
- It is a modern-day version of the legendary EMT Tontechnik professional arm 929
- Exceptional build quality
Product Considerations
- Manual lift operation requires a gentle touch to avoid stylus impact and sub-chassis wobble
- The removable headshell design introduces a slight compromise in stiffness
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The TP 160 is better and more balanced than the TP 92
- The TP 160 is comparable to the Linn Ekos, but at a much friendlier price, and is superior to the Akito
Takeaway: The TP 160 tonearm improves the turntable's performance with its quality build and adjustability. It is designed for those who appreciate a smooth and detailed listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Discover the best that your vinyl records have to offer with precise sound, crisp clean clarity and outstanding solidity with every faint nuance you never thought was there, revealed in all its glory.
Cascading features from the Nexus such as the micron tolerance bearings and the adjustable progressive Bias, the Altus will impress with a performance which has focus and immediacy whilst retaining a delicacy that is absolutely captivating.
unveiled
Our rigid bearing architecture has been passed down from the Nexus to achieve realistic sonic images carved in the soundscape, astonishing your senses with a sound you can virtually touch.
Altus employs an thick walled aluminium arm tube to make sure the cartridge is held securely above the record and aid transmission of vibration away from the cartridge, so your music is unveiled.
sound connection
The same Bias compensation mechanism found on the Nexus counteracts centripetal forces, thus avoiding tracking issues, undue record wear and maintaining your musical enjoyment. Our purpose designed low capacitance external phono cable reassuringly clicks into place using an superior right angled DIN connector and terminated with high quality gold plated RCA plugs. For purists wishing to embrace the naturally balanced output of a phono cartridge, the cable is also available fully balanced with XLR connectors.
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Designed with a focus on achieving the lowest possible resonance and optimal tracking accuracy
- Constructed from high-quality materials, including lightweight yet rigid aluminum
- Features a unique tapered design that minimizes unwanted vibrations
- Adjustable azimuth and vertical tracking angle (VTA), allowing users to tailor the setup to their specific cartridge and listening preferences
- Employs thick-walled aluminum arm tube to ensure the cartridge is held securely above the record and aid the transmission of vibration away from the cartridge
- Offers cascading features from the top-model NEXUS—such as the micron tolerance bearings and the adjustable progressive Bias
Product Considerations
- The Altus uses thick-walled aluminum tubing for the main tube, whereas the higher-end Nexus model uses more exotic materials for its tonearm tube
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Nexus: The Nexus model uses exotic materials for its tonearm tube, whereas the Altus uses thick-walled aluminum tubing for the main tube
- Vs Nexus: The Altus headshell is produced through a precise laser cutting process on solid aluminum, whereas the Nexus headshell is precision-engineered from solid aluminum and undergoes rigorous machining to ensure compatibility with the arm tube
- Vs Nexus: The Altus also uses the same DIN connector, RCA connectors, and high-quality external and internal cable loom as the NEXUS, the only difference is that the ALTUS is through-wired whereas the NEXUS allows the user to change the headshell wires
Takeaway: The Altus is a well-engineered tonearm designed for optimal tracking accuracy and minimal resonance, made with quality materials. It is a good option for those seeking a balance of performance and value, offering features trickled down from higher-end models
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Exceptional build quality, featuring Italian craftsmanship
- High-precision German-made bearings ensure fluid movement and tracking stability
- Offers comprehensive adjustment capabilities, including adjustable VTA, anti-skating, and azimuth
- Premium internal wiring with AWG36 Hyper Litz shielded 99.9999% OFC cables
- Elegant aesthetic design
Product Considerations
- Installation requires careful setup
- May be over-engineered for casual listeners
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to a Transrotor rig, the B-5.1 combo offers a more lively and engaging sound, with deeper, more propulsive bass
Takeaway: The Gold Note B-5.1 tonearm is a beautiful piece of Italian engineering offering exceptional performance and adjustability. It is well-suited for serious vinyl enthusiasts seeking to extract the finest details from their records with a lively and engaging sound.
Video review
Our take on the brand
The B-7 Ceramic features high-precision ball bearings made in Germany by GRW – exclusively manufactured for Gold Note. The ball bearings are made of ceramic, precisely tested and singularly sealed to preserve their integrity, a crucial factor to achieve the true noiseless design we offer and that will let you enjoy the finest nuances of your music.
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Ultra-precise ceramic bearings provide superior and silent tracking
- Premium material construction ensures both visual appeal and acoustic superiority
- Comprehensive adjustment capabilities allow for precise fine-tuning
- Excellent resonance control thanks to the sectional design of the titanium arm wand
- High-quality internal wiring ensures signal integrity
Product Considerations
- Installation requires careful setup and may benefit from expert guidance
- 23mm mounting diameter may require modification for some turntables
- Premium pricing tier
Takeaway: The Gold Note B-7 Ceramic Tonearm is a high-end product that uses great materials and careful design to bring out the best sound from vinyl records. It is made for serious vinyl fans who want top performance.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What competes at this price?
How to buy
Turntable Tonearms
Search all hifi products
Explore our database of 10,000+ new and 25,000+ used hifi products.
