2. analog
  3. 137277-112139

LOOKING TO MAKE A TURNTABLE CHANGE, HOPEFULLY AN IMPROVEMENT

 I started with a VPI Scout, and then upgraded to a VPI Scoutmaster. I find the sound of my CD collection to be superior. Vinyl advocates insist that I am missing the boat and claim vinyl delivers the sonic goods.
 I was advised that the acrylic platter that came with my Scoutmaster was the reason the sound was not up to par.
 The cost to upgrade the Scoutmasster with  a steel platter and bearing is $1000.00.  Not looking
 to spend any more money with VPI. Not knocking their products, just have spent much money with them with
 less than expected results. Assuming I wish to listen to my 180-200 gram vinyl recordings I am looking for
 alternatives. I wish to stay loyal to my audio dealer who is always there to help me. He sells Project, VPI and
 Thorens. I would sell my Scoutmaster which should net me about $1000.00, and I would put $1500.00 of my own
money toward a new turntable.  Any thoughts?  Thank you in advance.  Note: I am sure VPI makes a wonderful
product, but I have not perfsonally had a great audio experience. 
kjl1065
jperry
2,468 posts
 
@pops Thanks, I was as surprised as you. It changed my entire view of component heirarchy in the analog world. 
mulveling's avatar
mulveling
2,126 posts
 
Between your dealer’s VPI, Project, and Thorens, sticking with that Scoutmaster is really the best choice. Sound like you’ve perhaps got a bad mechanical/electrical mismatch somewhere in the chain, or a significant cartridge/arm setup issue, or maybe the cartridge itself isn’t up to snuff.

I got into vinyl 11 years ago with a used SOTA Star, Fidelity Reasearch arm, used Dynavector P75 phono stage, and new Benz Glider L2 cartridge for 3200 bucks total outlay - and it annihilated the digital options in that price range, at that time (killed my Meridian G08). This should still mostly be the case, if you get good matches & alignments, and a good enough cartridge.

I have a buddy running a Scoutmaster with 3D arm, Ortofon Jubilee, Rogue Ares, and he prefers it to the PS Audio DirectStream DAC.
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,516 posts
 
So we have a member wcfeil with 87 posts who is an authority of all turntables?  This really makes me laugh.
Post removed 
bpoletti
1,557 posts
 
In my opinion....

VPI "feet" are not very effective. The tweak of choice seems to be placing VPI tables on Stillpoint cones or Bear Claws. The differences are obvious and positive.

My suggestion is to try this tweak before spending money on major upgrades or a different table. Rest the table on cones alone. Adjust the height of the motor on Vibrapod pucks or a paperback book or a paperback book on Vibrapod pucks, if necessary. If the tweak works for you, remove the VPI feet completely to improve the table even more improvement.

Might also experiment with placing the table on cones facing up with a maple butcher block under the cones on top of your current shelf.

Just my opinion.  
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