Analog Gear News

Rega late last week announced a new turntable, the RP8. Available mid-December, the RP8 features an improved plinth, platter and tonearm, the RB808.

VPI just announced a new record cleaning machine, the MW-1 Cyclone. The new $1000 record cleaning machine shares the 16.5's shape but is of aluminum and has a removable lid rather than one that's hinged. Its bi-directional platter functions with the vacuum off or on.

VPI Industries today announced "The Nomad" a $995 "all in one" system consisting of a turntable that borrows the Traveler's plinth and platter assembly and includes a new less costly 10" aluminum gimbaled tonearm as well as a custom phono preamplifier and headphone amplifier.

That new record you just unboxed probably came shrink-wrapped or in a perforated sealed bag. Maybe it has a sticker or two on it or it's a numbered limited edition. Watch how all of this happens in this just produced video shot at Furnace Manufacturing with founder Eric Astor. And then go to Furnace's brand new, soon to be operational vinyl pressing plant that will also incorporate the packaging facility, which has outgrown its current location. Furnace began in the 1990s as a production and packaging agent for indie and major labels—perhaps you’re unsure about what that exactly means. After watching the video you will—and perhaps you'll come to appreciate an LP production cost you've not before considered.