Comparing VPI Scoutmaster to Pro-ject RM10

i'm no fan of the scout, but this move is change for the sake of change.

I am not going to try to talk you out of a change as only you know what will work for you but I heard the HI-Fi+ analog demonstration at RMAF this past fall (recap in issue 55 I think, I can check for you) and heard an HRX, VPI's top of the line, sound alternately vague and boring or captivating and personal depending absolutely on set-up. It could be that yours has drifted out of alignment in one or more parameters. Let me know if you need more information from me regarding this article or if you think it may help with your issues.

Well, I definitely don't want a step back. If anything I'm looking for a little more "musical" and a little less "analytical".

"Well, I definitely don't want a step back. If anything I'm looking for a little more "musical" and a little less "analytical"."

Listen to an original Linn. It is not, at all, analytical.

I've been using a Pro-ject RM10 with a Sumiko Blackbird cartridge since August of 2007. I find it to be very dynamic and musical. The Blackbird needed about 50 hours to break in (at first it was too clinical), but after that it's been one happy listening day after the other. The Scoutmaster was my other finalist, but I never got to hear it. I heard the Pro-ject 9.1 and bought the RM10 assuming it would be better and I wasn't disappointed.

I listen to classical orchestra, lots of brass, jazz big band, jazz vocalists, pop and cubano. The Pro-ject/Sumiko is involving and exciting to listen to. I've got a few duplicates on CD/DVD-A/SACD and vinyl. The vinyl ALWAYS wins the battle as more involving and richer. The timbre is the same and dynamics (at least on DVD and SACD) are comparable, but the RM10 digs out more details and more character.

About three-months in I bought the Speed Box II. It was clearly an improvement with piano recordings. I think it also added to bass dynamics, but I don't understand how. If you don't listen to a lot of piano you might do without it, but the convenience is nice. I was constantly touching the belt to move it and then worrying about cleaning it and the rim of the platter, so now it's clean and stays clean.

Dave