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VPI Scout or GEM Dandy PolyTable

Currently I have a Thorens TD-150 with a Rega RB-202 tonearm and 2M Bronze cart.
It is a great setup, but for 2017 I would like to upgrade my TT. Currently I am looking at either the VPI Scout or the GEM Dandy PolyTable with Jelco SA-750D Tonearm.

The PolyTable clocks in at $1795.
The VPI Scout clocks in at $2199.

http://www.vpiindustries.com/scout
http://www.hifigem.com/polytable.html

Be interested to hear what everyone thinks.

Thanks!

Ron
hifiron
rwwear
2,902 posts
 
Rotarius, as the owner of several vintage turntables including a Technics SP-10MKIII, I tend to agree. But the Shinola is a well made 50lb turntable with a built in phono stage even though I prefer direct drive.
leotis
183 posts
 
Re: VPI customer service, I have no personal experience.
Just a recent Audiogon thread where it was being debated.
Believe it was asserted that problems must go through the dealer.
Do have experience with PolyTable however. George is happy to take your call personally, and has a wealth of information which he is happy to share.
fjn04
1,561 posts
 

How is the speed stability on the GEM Dandy. Did you get the Merrill Speed controller?  Can you adjust speed with/without it? Just curious.... I would never buy a table that did NOT have user adjustable speed control.

leotis
183 posts
 
Have a Phoenix Engineering Roadrunner Tachometer attached. Plus a Phoenix Eagle PSU. With the stock PSU my PolyTable runs dead on. But speed will vary with wall current variability, same as with any AC synchronous motor. Of course, even with the quartz controlled Eagle PSU speed can still vary with warm up etc. Without the Roadrunner tach connected to the Eagle, speed increases about 0.02 RPM when the system gets warmed up. That is the beauty of the Roadrunner/Eagle combo. When connected, speed is adjusted every revolution if necessary. So sure, get a Quartz PSU with a speed control. Ron Sutherland designed the optional PSU that goes with the PolyTable. So I’m sure it is top notch.
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