VPI

I'll do you one better, I'm Mat Weisfeld, owner of VPI, this was the last project that ran before I took over. I tried to kill it before it happened (I was too late) and moving forward I've done next to nothing to market it, you'll notice that it isn't even on our website. I've also opening shared this information on our forum and others Forget the comparison to the Scott, look at it as more of a unicorn collectible product inspired by the Scott that you will never see from us again. The main reason is that I don't know amps, at least not like the experts in electronics and amps are. Companies should have and keep their focus. VPI making a tube amp doesn't stick with our focus of making turntables and components that work with turntables. The reason is because of exactly what was mentioned about the amp, the components are made overseas and we certainly are not hiding it. It is assembled here by VAS but you will notice the "Made in America" part of our logo was removed. I can proudly say that was my only real contribution to this unit. Essentially, it was too late for me to stop the project but I made sure the "Made in America" portion of the logo came off. When I took over VPI we had 100 units. I believe we still have about 10-15 units left. To me I couldn't tell you the difference between the circuitry of the Scott or any other amp. (Also I personally prefer solid state but that is another story). The origin was that we have a guy, we called him Black Market Richie since he always bring in old cool equipment, he came by the factory with a Scott. (side note: that man has sold us one too many reel-to-reel players if anyone needs ) Harry fired up the Scott with a Classic 4 in our original listening room (which is now my office ) and Steve (from VAS) and him were blown away. Harry and Steve got to talking and Steve from VAS went to work. From there the 299D was born. All of that aside and regardless of my protest, the unit does sound and look great for the money. While the parts were sourced globally they are assembled here, properly tested, and if we did make this product here it would easily retail for 6K (or more). I used one in my home for awhile and was blown away with the performance over other units I had that were triple the price. Long term I hope Steve at VAS continues making this product under his own brand and I will gladly recommend it. It is easy to use, diverse, reasonably priced, and sounds fantastic. Regardless of the internal workings, the Scott 299D inspired the creation of this unit. I hope this clears up some of the confusion -MW