{"product_id":"vpi-prime-26-turntable-crg-258-tonearm","title":"VPI Prime 26 Turntable with CRG-258 Tonearm","description":"\u003cstyle\u003e.hos-vpi-refined{max-width:1180px;margin:36px auto;color:#252525;font-family:inherit;line-height:1.75;font-size:17px}.hos-vpi-refined *{box-sizing:border-box}.hos-vpi-refined h2{font-size:clamp(26px,3.2vw,42px);line-height:1.18;margin:0 0 22px}.hos-vpi-refined h3{font-size:clamp(21px,2.3vw,28px);line-height:1.3;margin:0 0 16px}.hos-vpi-refined p{margin:0 0 20px}.hos-vpi-refined a{color:inherit;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:4px}.hos-vpi-refined .ve-kicker{font-size:12px;letter-spacing:.16em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#78613e;margin-bottom:16px}.hos-vpi-refined .ve-hero{padding:clamp(26px,5vw,64px);background:#f4f1eb;border-top:3px solid #a78855;margin-bottom:36px}.hos-vpi-refined .ve-split{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1.1fr 1fr;align-items:center;gap:clamp(24px,4vw,54px);margin:56px 0}.hos-vpi-refined .ve-split\u003e*,.hos-vpi-refined .ve-cards\u003e*{min-width:0}.hos-vpi-refined figure{margin:26px 0}.hos-vpi-refined figure img{width:100%;height:auto;max-height:650px;object-fit:contain;display:block;margin:0 auto}.hos-vpi-refined figcaption{font-size:13px;line-height:1.5;color:#666;padding:12px 0}.hos-vpi-refined .ve-panel{background:#f4f1eb;padding:clamp(22px,4vw,44px);margin:40px 0}.hos-vpi-refined .ve-cards{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(3,minmax(0,1fr));gap:22px;margin:28px 0}.hos-vpi-refined .ve-card{border-top:2px solid #a78855;padding:22px 0}.hos-vpi-refined .ve-flow{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(3,minmax(0,1fr));gap:20px;margin:30px 0}.hos-vpi-refined .ve-flow\u003ediv{padding:22px;background:#fff;border:1px solid #d8d1c5}.hos-vpi-refined .ve-flow b{display:block;color:#80633c;font-size:13px;margin-bottom:12px}.hos-vpi-refined .ve-flow strong{display:block;font-size:20px;margin-bottom:10px}.hos-vpi-refined .ve-flow p{font-size:15px;margin:0}.hos-vpi-refined table{width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;margin:26px 0;font-size:15px;table-layout:fixed}.hos-vpi-refined th,.hos-vpi-refined td{padding:14px 12px;border-bottom:1px solid #ddd6ca;text-align:left;vertical-align:top;overflow-wrap:anywhere}.hos-vpi-refined tr:nth-child(even){background:#f7f5f1}.hos-vpi-refined img{max-width:100%;height:auto}.hos-vpi-refined iframe{max-width:100%;aspect-ratio:16\/9;height:auto;min-height:220px}.hos-vpi-refined li{margin-bottom:10px}.hos-vpi-refined .ve-existing{border-top:1px solid #d8d1c5;padding-top:36px;margin-top:48px}.hos-vpi-refined .ve-existing h2,.hos-vpi-refined .ve-existing h3{margin-top:36px}.hos-vpi-refined .ve-existing img{display:block;margin:28px auto;object-fit:contain;max-height:650px}.hos-vpi-refined details{padding:18px 0;border-bottom:1px solid #d8d1c5}.hos-vpi-refined summary{font-weight:600;cursor:pointer}.hos-vpi-refined details p{padding-top:16px}.hos-vpi-refined .ve-links{display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:14px;margin:36px 0}.hos-vpi-refined .ve-links a{padding:10px 15px;border:1px solid #d8d1c5}.hos-vpi-refined .vp-offer{background:#f4f1eb;border-left:3px solid #a78855;padding:24px;margin:28px 0}@media(max-width:700px){.hos-vpi-refined{font-size:16px}.hos-vpi-refined .ve-split,.hos-vpi-refined .ve-cards,.hos-vpi-refined .ve-flow{grid-template-columns:1fr}.hos-vpi-refined .ve-split{margin:34px 0;gap:18px}.hos-vpi-refined th,.hos-vpi-refined td{padding:10px 7px;font-size:13px}.hos-vpi-refined .ve-hero{padding:28px 20px}.hos-vpi-refined .ve-flow{gap:10px}}\n\u003c\/style\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"hos-vpi-refined\"\u003e\n\u003cheader class=\"ve-hero\"\u003e\u003cp class=\"ve-kicker\"\u003eVPI · House of Stereo\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThe Scout foundation, with CRG-258 at its center.\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVPI describes Prime 26 as a fully upgraded Scout 21, supplied with the CRG-258 tonearm. The arm is included from the outset, giving cartridge support and adjustment a central place in this new configuration.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/header\u003e\u003csection class=\"vp-offer\"\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHoliday price: $4,680\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStandard retail is $5,200. The advertised offer runs through December 31, 2026. Black finish; CRG-258 tonearm included.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\u003csection class=\"ve-split\"\u003e\u003cfigure\u003e\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0529\/7117\/6085\/files\/vpi-crg-258-cartridge-interface.png?v=1794201781\" alt=\"Included-arm illustration: CRG-258 shown on a different VPI platform. Prime 26 chassis not pictured.\"\u003e\u003cfigcaption\u003eIncluded-arm illustration: CRG-258 shown on a different VPI platform. Prime 26 chassis not pictured.\u003c\/figcaption\u003e\u003c\/figure\u003e\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eMeet the included tonearm\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe CRG-258 uses a carbon-fiber\/resin tube, machined headshell and ABEC-5 gimbal bearings. The photograph shows the arm on a Model One platform to illustrate its construction; it is not a photograph of the Prime 26 chassis.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"ve-cards\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ve-card\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThe arm tube\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCarbon fiber and an internally bonded resin structure combine stiffness with resonance control. This is the structural link between the cartridge and the bearing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ve-card\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThe cartridge interface\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA machined metal headshell provides the mounting surface. Cartridge alignment still matters: a better arm does not eliminate careful setup.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ve-card\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThe bearing assembly\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eABEC-5 bearings support the gimbal. Azimuth, counterweight and VTA adjustments let the installer set cartridge position and tracking force.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"ve-panel\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eThree adjustments. Three different jobs.\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ve-flow\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cb\u003e01 →\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTracking force\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe counterweight sets how firmly the stylus follows the groove. Verify the final force with a gauge and the cartridge maker’s recommendation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cb\u003e02 →\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAzimuth\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eViewed from the front, the stylus needs the correct orientation in the groove. This is separate from arm height.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cb\u003e03 →\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVTA \/ arm height\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eArm height changes the cartridge’s angle relative to the record. Set it after alignment and tracking force, then recheck the complete setup.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\u003csection class=\"ve-panel\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFrom the groove to your speakers\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"ve-flow\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cb\u003e01 →\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTurntable + cartridge\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe stylus follows the groove; the cartridge converts that motion into a small electrical signal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cb\u003e02 →\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMatching phono stage\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eCartridge type, output and loading determine the appropriate phono stage. Some amplifiers include one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cb\u003e03 →\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAmplifier + speakers\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe phono stage feeds a line input. The amplifier then supplies the power your speakers need.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e\u003ch2\u003eBuild the cartridge and phono-stage match\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTell us the cartridge you plan to use and the phono stage it will feed. A low-output moving-coil cartridge requires suitable gain and loading. House of Stereo can help arrange cartridge selection, mounting and alignment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eModel \/ SKU\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePrime 26 \/ PRIME26-B\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eFinish\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBlack\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eManufacturer description\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFully upgraded Scout 21\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eIncluded arm\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCRG-258\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"row\"\u003eStandard \/ holiday retail\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e$5,200 \/ $4,680 through December 31, 2026\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.vpiindustries.com\/single-post\/the-new-vpi-crg-258-tonearm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eExplore VPI’s CRG-258 engineering\u003c\/a\u003e · \u003ca href=\"\/en-ca\/products\/vpi-industries-goldy-mc-cartridge\"\u003eGoldy cartridge\u003c\/a\u003e · \u003ca href=\"\/en-ca\/products\/vpi-industries-shyla-cartridge\"\u003eShyla cartridge\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cnav class=\"ve-links\" aria-label=\"VPI resources\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/en-ca\/pages\/vpi-turntables-jacksonville\"\u003eExplore the VPI guide\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/en-ca\/pages\/vpi-black-friday-2026\"\u003eCurrent VPI offers\u003c\/a\u003e\u003ca href=\"tel:9046426677\"\u003eTalk with House of Stereo\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/nav\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"VPI Industries","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":68135132856469,"sku":"PRIME26-B","price":6707.0,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"url":"https:\/\/houseofstereo.com\/en-ca\/products\/vpi-prime-26-turntable-crg-258-tonearm","provider":"House Of Stereo","version":"1.0","type":"link"}