VPI Cliffwood turntable
Best entry-level turntable for audiophiles seeking premium American-made quality.
Discover the VPI Cliffwood turntable, a testament to American craftsmanship, proudly made in Cliffwood, New Jersey. This turntable delivers exceptional audio clarity and a captivating stereo image, enhancing your listening pleasure. It features a high-quality Gimbal tonearm, a durable machined aluminum platter, and comes ready to play out of the box with an included AT-VM95E cartridge. The Cliffwood represents VPI's dedication to quality, offering performance worthy of praise and a success at its price point, rivaling higher-end models.
$900.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
231
/ 622
#231 in Turntables & Record Players
Price vs Category Average
-79%
Below average
MPN
CL-T
/ CL-T
Who it's for
- Patriotic audiophiles valuing domestic manufacturing and quality control
- Vinyl newcomers seeking an effortless, immediate listening experience
- Listeners demanding high-end tracking stability on a budget
Who should skip it
- Casual listeners who frequently switch between record speeds
- Critical listeners requiring superior vibration isolation and damping
- Budget-conscious shoppers comparing value against entry-level competitors
Performance breakdown
Setup simplicity
Ready to play immediately with minimal calibration required out of the box.
Build integrity
Robust American craftsmanship featuring a solid, durable machined aluminum platter.
Tonearm precision
The high-quality Gimbal tonearm tracks records with impressive stability and accuracy.
Sonic clarity
Delivers a clean, detailed stereo image that punches above its weight.
Cartridge performance
The included AT-VM95E is a reliable, high-performing entry-level industry standard.
Upgrade potential
A solid foundation that welcomes future cartridge or component enhancements.
Key Specs
MPN
CL-T
Tonearm
Gimbal Tonearm
Cartridge
AT-VM95E
Platter Material
Machined Aluminum
Drive Type
Belt Drive
Made in USA
Operation Mode
Manual
Cartridge Type
Moving Magnet
Features
- Ready to play out of the box
- Exceptional clarity and stereo imaging
- High-quality Gimbal tonearm
- Durable machined aluminum platter
- Includes AT-VM95E cartridge
- Proudly made in the USA
What customers say
The VPI Cliffwood turntable is highly praised as an outstanding entry into high fidelity, offering VPI engineering pedigree at an accessible price. Customers consistently highlight the robust build quality and reliable motor system, which ensure excellent speed stability. Its simple setup is a major advantage, allowing users to quickly enjoy music without complex adjustments. Sonically, the Cliffwood delivers a warm, detailed, and engaging sound that exceeds expectations for its category. While some suggest upgrading the included cartridge later, the overall consensus points to tremendous value. This turntable provides a foundation of quality and reliable performance that satisfies both newcomers and experienced vinyl listeners seeking a straightforward, high-performing system.
Know before you buy
Yes, the turntable arrives ready to play out of the box. It includes a pre-installed AT-VM95E cartridge, so you only need to connect it to your existing audio system to begin listening.
Yes, the Cliffwood does not have a built-in preamp. You will need to connect it to an external phono stage or an amplifier with a dedicated phono input to achieve the correct signal level.
The Cliffwood features a high-quality Gimbal tonearm designed for precision. While it is manual in operation, it provides the stability and tracking accuracy necessary to get the most out of your vinyl collection.
Absolutely. The tonearm is compatible with a variety of moving magnet cartridges, allowing you to upgrade your sound profile as your system evolves.
No, the Cliffwood is a manual turntable. You will need to place the tonearm on the record yourself and lift it once the side has finished playing.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.