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Explore how the VPI Titan Direct turntable steals the spotlight in Lexus RZ’s electric SUV campaign with a price tag twice that of the car itself.
A Vinyl Classic Meets Modern Electric Luxury
There’s something delightfully ironic about a sleek electric SUV commercial starring none other than jazz legend Miles Davis spinning classic vinyl on a VPI turntable — and not just any model, but the flagship VPI Titan Direct. This beauty isn’t your average record player; it’s a $95,000 masterpiece of audio engineering. Meanwhile, the electric ride it’s promoting, the Lexus RZ, carries a price tag of just about $47,295. Yes, you read that right: the turntable on display costs nearly double the car itself.
Even if you were to step up to the Lexus RZ loaded with the top-tier Mark Levinson audio system — boasting 13 speakers and a combined output of 1,800 watts — you’d still be looking at a price hovering around $60,000. That’s still a good $35,000 less than the VPI Titan Direct alone.
VPI Titan Direct: A Turntable Like No Other
What justifies the hefty $95,000 price? Interestingly, the VPI Titan Direct doesn’t even come with a cartridge, those delicate little devices that read grooves on vinyl. However, this turntable is loaded with premium components that make it a dream for audiophiles.
Central to its design is the 12-inch Fatboy Gimbal tonearm. This isn’t your everyday tonearm—it’s 3D-printed and famed for its rigidity and innovative profile transition from triangular to round. This unique shape helps reduce unwanted resonances and enhances tracking precision when the stylus follows vinyl grooves.
The tonearm also features precision gimbal bearings, upgraded Nordost Reference wiring for ultra-clean signal transmission, and a micrometer-style counterweight that allows for ultra-fine adjustments of tracking force. What’s more, the Titan Direct supports up to three tonearms, which means you can easily switch between cartridges — a real boon for those who like to experiment with different sounds without the hassle of constant swapping.
Engineering Meets Elegance: The Turntable’s Design
Diving deeper into its construction, the Titan Direct employs a heavy-duty magnetic direct-drive system combined with a pneumatic air suspension. This air suspension isolates the platter and tonearm from external vibrations—an absolute must for clean, uncolored sound reproduction.
Its tri-level chassis isn’t just eye candy; it’s engineered meticulously to clamp down on resonance and unwanted vibrations even further. While the commercial showed a version with a single tonearm, the design allows for up to three tonearms of various lengths and brands. This flexibility is a true game-changer for vinyl enthusiasts who crave versatility without losing precious listening time.
Lexus RZ: Electric Performance with Style
Switching gears to the car itself, the Lexus RZ rides on the e-TNGA platform, a foundation it shares with Toyota’s BZ4x crossover. But Lexus’s take is far from vanilla — it sports a bold spindle body front fascia, an aggressive rear spoiler, and a more refined interior that oozes luxury compared to its Toyota cousin.
Under the hood, the RZ offers up to 402 horsepower with an electrifying 0 to 60 mph sprint in just 4.1 seconds on the sporty 550e F SPORT variant. It’s a compelling blend of performance and sophistication that will appeal to electric car enthusiasts who want both speed and style.
Range, Charging, and Practicality
The RZ packs a 71.4 kWh battery that delivers an estimated driving range between 224 and 298 miles, depending on the trim level. For those pressed for time, a rapid DC fast-charging system can juice up the battery from 10% to 80% in just about 30 minutes when plugged into the right station.
Notably, the American versions of the Lexus RZ include the NACS charging port standard, which means compatibility with a wide range of fast chargers — including most Tesla Supercharger stations. This opens up a much broader charging network for owners, making road trips and daily use more convenient.
“The VPI Titan Direct’s ability to switch between three tonearms with different cartridges without fuss is a dream come true for vinyl lovers.”
— Audio Enthusiast
A Classic Audio Marvel vs. Modern Automotive Innovation
It’s fascinating how a commercial for a cutting-edge electric SUV chooses to highlight a classic analog audiophile marvel that costs twice as much as the vehicle it’s teasing. This pairing bridges the gap between two passions: the nostalgic warmth of vinyl and the futuristic promise of electric driving.
While the Lexus RZ dazzles with its tech and performance, the VPI Titan Direct reminds us that some pleasures in life, like the deep crackle of vinyl, come with their own uncompromising price and timeless charm.
FAQ
- How much does the VPI Titan Direct turntable cost compared to the Lexus RZ?
The turntable is priced at about $95,000, roughly double the base price of the Lexus RZ, which starts around $47,295. - Does the VPI Titan Direct come with a cartridge?
No, the turntable does not include a cartridge, so buyers need to purchase one separately to start playing records. - What makes the VPI Titan Direct’s tonearm special?
It features a 12-inch 3D-printed Fatboy Gimbal tonearm with a unique triangular-to-round profile, precision bearings, and top-tier wiring for superior sound quality. - What platform underpins the Lexus RZ?
The Lexus RZ is built on the e-TNGA platform, shared with the Toyota BZ4x, but with a more aggressive and luxurious design. - How long does it take to charge the Lexus RZ battery?
Using a DC fast charger, it takes approximately 30 minutes to charge from 10% to 80%.
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