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V.P.I. HW 16.5 record cleaner V.P.I. tells me this serial number is from the early to mid 2000's. This machine has had very light use as it came from a private user. It comes as fully functional with a 12 inch wand, brush, power cable and manual. Having owned one of these (a different one) for 15 years & using it daily, I can tell you, you will get decades of heavy use from it, and should be viewed as an investment. Feel free to inspect at Muscle Shoals Records 504 Lygon st East Brunswick
This US$1,309 asking price is ambitious, sitting well above the 75th percentile of US$863 for the VPI HW-16.5 record cleaner. With a median market price of US$416, the listing demands roughly triple what most buyers encounter, making it a tough sell unless the unit is pristine or includes rare extras.
The HW-16.5 remains a top-tier vacuum cleaner that excels at removing deep grime and drying records instantly without heat, preserving vinyl integrity. Its robust build and effective fluid dynamics make it a favorite among serious collectors. However, given the steep price and unknown condition, buyers should verify the pump’s health, check for fluid leaks, and confirm included accessories like brushes or fluid before committing.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
VPI Industries, founded in 1978 by Harry and Sheila Weisfeld in Cliffwood, New Jersey, emerged from a lifelong audiophile's basement workshop as a quintessential American family enterprise. What began with simple record weights and turntable isolation bases quickly evolved into a benchmark for analog precision, driven by Harry's relentless experimentation and Sheila's steadfast support. By 1981, the HW-16 record cleaning machine marked their first enduring hit, cementing VPI's heritage in the vinyl revival long before it became mainstream.
The brand specializes in high-end turntables, tonearms, phonograph accessories, and record cleaning systems, with iconic models like the TNT, Aries, Scout series, and the Classic 30th Anniversary edition showcasing uncompromising engineering. VPI prioritizes mechanical innovation—unibody designs, advanced platters, and air-bearing arms—over diversification into amplifiers, speakers, DACs, or headphones, maintaining a laser focus on the analog front-end.
Positioned firmly in the high-end market, VPI commands respect among discerning audiophiles for delivering reference-grade performance at accessible price points relative to rivals. Now led by Harry's son Mat Weisfeld, the company thrives on its reputation for bulletproof reliability, world-class soundstaging, and U.S.-made craftsmanship, making it a cornerstone choice for serious vinyl enthusiasts seeking timeless excellence.
See all VPI listings on RADAR.
