RENAISSANCE TO DEBUT UPGRADED TURNTABLE FEATURING NEW TONEARM AT STEREONET LONDON SHOW

3 September 2026: Renaissance is proud to introduce the CRG-258 Gimbal Tonearm, the first model in an entirely new family of tonearms representing the next evolution of VPI’s commitment to precision engineering and exceptional analogue performance. The CRG-258, Carbon-Fibre Resin Gimbal 258 MM, is the culmination of years of research, development, and investment in 3D technology, material science, and advanced manufacturing. As VPI expanded its vertical integration by bringing more engineering and production capabilities in-house, the company’s design team continued to explore what modern materials and manufacturing techniques could contribute to analogue playback.

That journey led VPI to investigate advanced carbon-fibre technologies, proprietary resin systems, and innovative material combinations. Through extensive prototyping, mechanical testing, and critical listening, every design decision was evaluated not only by laboratory performance, but also by what ultimately matters most: the musical experience.

The result is the CRG-258 Gimbal Tonearm.

At the heart of the CRG-258 is a proprietary arm tube that combines advanced carbon fibre with an internally bonded, 3D-inspired resin system. This construction creates an exceptionally rigid structure while preserving the natural musicality and low-resonance characteristics associated with VPI tonearms.

The architecture provides outstanding energy control, allowing the cartridge to retrieve greater detail from the record groove while maintaining the warmth, dynamics, and realism that define analogue playback.

The CRG-258 also features a precision-machined metal headshell that increases rigidity at the cartridge interface. This improved mechanical connection contributes to greater tracking accuracy, faster transient response, and enhanced overall stability.

Mechanically, the CRG-258 is built without compromise. Its precision gimbal assembly utilizes ABEC-5 bearings to provide exceptionally smooth, low-friction movement, allowing compatible cartridges to perform at their highest potential.

The tonearm offers comprehensive adjustability for serious vinyl lovers including:

• Precision vertical tracking angle adjustment

• Adjustable azimuth

• Adjustable counterweight

• Precision gimbal assembly with ABEC-5 bearings

Every element of the CRG-258 has been engineered to provide maximum setup flexibility while preserving mechanical integrity.

Enter the Model One-258 turntable: the acclaimed Model One, now featuring the new CRG-258 Gimbal Tonearm. It delivers greater rigidity, improved energy control, enhanced tracking and increased musical resolution. The performance gains achieved with the CRG-258 were such that VPI felt these benefits should be incorporated into the Model One.

John Carroll, MD of Renaissance, commented: “With the introduction of the CRG-258 and the Model One-258 turntable, VPI continues its tradition of combining proven analogue principles with modern engineering, advanced materials and precision manufacturing. I’m delighted to say that the new Model One-258, with its upgraded tonearm, is available at exactly the same price as the original Model One.”

Renaissance distributes Audiovector, MOON, Nordost and VPI in the UK and Ireland.