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Anyone NOT like the sound of VPI?

I'm wondering if I'm just not a VPI guy. Bought a Scoutmaster with signature JMW arm and a Shelter 501 MKII cartridge. This was after buying a Rega P3-24 with an Elys II cartridge. Thought the Rega was very dark sounding (at least with that cartridge).

The VPI sounded unnatural to me (no midbass whatsoever). Thought it was a bad cartridge, but recently heard a Scout (with signature arm) equipped with a Dynavector cartridge. This was on a system at a retailer where I was auditioning speakers and I didn't think it sounded much different from what I have at home.

While I hate overdone midbass, I certainly miss it if it's absent. I'm wondering if I'm just not a VPI guy and should try something else - maybe a Rega (P5?) with a different cartridge...

madfloyd
madfloyd OP
411 posts
 
Harry's suggestion is to get a Dynavector 20XM. I having a problem finding a place to purchase this online.

I can find 'L' versions and at elusivedisc they list a HW-DYN20XM but the actual description lists it as an 'H' version (VPI/DYNAVECTOR 20 X-H SPECIAL VERSION). Is this the same thing?

Another question. Given that its Friday and too late to get my hands on a headshell weight for the weekend, is there any temporary solution (attaching a dime or something that is approx 3 grams) - or is that totally ridiculous?

I'm chomping at the bit to enjoy some vinyl....:-)

Thanks again to all who have been patient with me.
sonofjim
557 posts
 
Madfloyd,
Check the VPI website. They sell their own version of the Dynavector which is probably the one VPIHW was talking about. It has an output of 1 mv and is the one I was thinking of trying before I (as I often do) went more expensive and tried the Benz Micro LP. It looks like a pretty good cartridge for the money. Unfortunately VPI is closed on Fridays and I'm sure for the Holiday weekend but I'm not sure I would try any makeshift headshell weight without asking them first. That sounds like something I would have done in high school when I was younger, faster, and more foolish. As I said before, you've got some great equipment(a descent phono stage may help as much as anything which doesn't have to cost a fortune) but another very important factor in vinyl satifaction is diligence and patience. You're on the right track and you will get there.
sbank's avatar
sbank
3,379 posts
 
HW,

Thanks for participating. It's exciting to see you post here.

FYI, Mike is a gem; but you already know that :-)

Cheers,

Spencer
sns
3,256 posts
 
I would take a close look at your phono stage, I recently changed out some coupling caps, made all the difference in the world. If your problem is the same as mine, all the changes in setup or cartridges are not going to solve the problem. I don't know what caps the Pro-ject uses, but this is the first place I would look. You should also see if you can audition a higher quality phono stage.

My recent experience illustrates the importance of a quality phono stage. At this point I think it may be the most important link in the analog chain.
vpihw
8 posts
 
Wish I had more time to really get into it with you guys. Keep up the good work and giving great advice.

HW
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