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Upgrading a Scout II, Best bang for the buck??

Hi all

I have this TT for a couple of months now and was wondering what I could do to improve it. This is my first TT in many years so I don't have much experience with TT's and I really don't have anything to compare it too.

A little bit about my rig, I am using a NOS Shure V15 XMR, a phonomena II phono stage, a Linkwitz Orion 3 speaker system and matching Thor subs.

I have aligned the cart with a Mint protractor and its sounds very good as compared to my Sony XA5400ES cd player.

I was thinking maybe a VPI ring and center weight, possibly a better stand and maybe a 2" thick peice of granite to place the scout on.

Any help would be greatly appreciated

Thanks
Frank
128x128fc911c
photon46
1,082 posts
 
From the many posts over the years about the Scout, Gingko platforms and maple butcher block type platforms seem to be the preference of many. I was very happy with the sound of a 3 1/2" maple block under my Scout, I thought it was essential to bring out the best in it. The only thing that bugs me about the Scout is how quickly enhancements like the ring & center weight quickly escalate costs into the realm of a better table altogether. Everyone's got different thoughts about things like that admittedly.
cerrot's avatar
cerrot
1,700 posts
 
I have a TNT Jr with super platter, upgraded motor w/single flywheel and sds and the single best upgrade was the recent addition of the periphery ring.
fc911c's avatar
fc911c OP
44 posts
 
Thanks for the suggestions so far. I was hoping to pick up a used ring but they seem to go fast around here. I found a maple end grain chopping block 15x20x31/2 made by Michigan maple block for $92.00 will this do?

Thanks
Frank
scottz
29 posts
 
I agree with Cerrot that the periphery ring is a worthwhile upgrade.
photon46
1,082 posts
 
The block you found should work fine. One additional thing I've done to mine that has increased it's functionality is to install 1/4" x 20 threaded brass inserts in the bottom. Then I installed BDR carbon fiber cones with threaded brass rods into the inserts. That way I can adjust each of the four corners of the block to get a perfectly level plane for my turntable.
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