VPI periphery record ring for VPI Scoutmaster


How much of an improvement does the VPI steel periphery record ring make? Do you think it's worth the $500 US retail price? Or would it be advisable to first look for the SDS, then afterwards purchase the ring? I'll be using it on a Scoutmaster turntable.
lornoah
Hi Tms0425, I have the scoutmaster with sig arm but no ring clamp or SDS as yet. I also use a Joule Electra amp (VZN-80) and Merlin VSM-M speakers. I use the Denon 103R cartridge and I love its sound. I have heard the Shelter Cartridges sound good with this combo also.
Thanks all. I've considered the various Shelters, Sumiko Blackbird, but wasn't too aware of the Celebration. Is it a similar cart to the Blackbird (only better)? I'm not to familiar with current generation of Denons though I had a 103D long ago. I know I need something with a somewhat warm (not analytical) tonal balance for the Merlin setup.
the celebration is probably a couple steps up from the blackbird, which is a very good cart. here's a review from a couple of years ago:

http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/0402/sumikocelebration.htm
After several conversations with Mehran at Sorasound, I ended up with a ZYX Airy3-X-SB. We'll see how it works out once the Scoutmaster gets here, but I'm really looking forward to being back in the analog biz.
This mod transforms the Scout to a world class playback machine.

I simply love it and by the way I no longer use the standard record clamp - thats redundant!

Jud Barber