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SCOUTMASTER TO ARIES 3

I was planning to upgrade from my Scoutmaster table to the
Super Scoutmaster. But after looking at the VPI website I noticed that they are coming out with a Aries 3 to replace the Aries 2. Is the Aries 3 a better bet than the Super Scoutmaster. Any thoughts would be appreciated. In short does the Aries 3 offer any sonic advantages over a SuperScoutmaster. It seems that the Aries 3 can also have the outer ring clamsp added as well as the sds. as options, just like the Scoutmaster. The Aries does use the 10.5 Arm vs. the 9 inch arm of the Scoutmaster.
Does the 10.5 arm sound better than the 9 inch arm?
Any input owuld be appreciated..
kjl
jamnperry
123 posts
 
Joneill.. Did VPI discount the cost of the flywheel combo in exchange for your 300rpm motor? I haven't found an upgrade path other than purchasing the combo.
scubabiker
7 posts
 
Stew3859...I have both the SDS controller and the P500 set to 60 htz for all of my other components. If I wanted to run it alone with the P500 I guess I could see what htz the SDS uses for 45 and set it, but I assume that would mess up the rest of the components attached to the regulated outlets, so I guess I am better just using the SDS.
I am currently using a Ginko Cloud 10 which just holds the Aries 2 so if I wanted to add the better motor, I would need a bigger platform. I just didn't know if the belt for the HRX would be the same distance for the Aries 2 at the end of the left side of the plinth.
stew3859's avatar
stew3859
119 posts
 
Scubabiker:

Paul McGowan @ PS Audio recently tackled your issue , but as to a P300. I presume the same applies to the P500. Bottom line: Not to worry. See below.

http://www.audioasylum.com/forums/psaudio/messages/9141.html
semi
649 posts
 
VPI staff does favor JMW-9 over all other arms they make because it's more rigidly coupled to base and arm tube is more rigid as well. And that's the reason they spend more time and effort on improving the JMW-9 instead of their longer arms. Not my opinion, just stating what they told me over the phone.

Don't forget the JMW-9 Signature option. Short arm has its advantage, think SME V or IV.Vi. SME used to make long arms like 3012, but when they introduced the new generation arm (309, IV, V), they kept IV & V short.
stew3859's avatar
stew3859
119 posts
 
Actually, SME is introducing a new 12" arm, the SME 312S. See excerpt from Stereophile newsletter:

But the allure of a 12" arm was too strong to deter Robertson-Aikman. He extended the magnesium barrel of an SME Series V arm to 12", along with careful sleeving, superb pressure fitting, the right touch of adhesive, and that inimitable SME finish. The result is the SME Model 312S, which probably has the lowest mass of any 12" arm ever made. It can be used with cartridges in the normal weight range of 6-15gm, and with compliances not deemed too low or too high by most makers.
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