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VPI Prime or Scout or ???

Hi all,

I’m new to record players. I’ve always been a digital music person. That said, I’ve got s nice setup now and am looking for a record player for occasional records. I won’t be too serious about it and digital will remain my main source.

i know with some of the higher end players there is a learning curve but was hoping for something not too difficult to learn.

Being from NJ, I was pretty interested in VPI. I’m not sure I quite understand the differences between the Prime and Prime Scout. The Prime would probably be near the top of my budget. Also, I have no idea which cartridge to get. 

For context, I’ll mostly be listening to vintage jazz and rock. The turntable would feed into the Phono stage of my Mytek Manhattan. Any suggestions welcome! There is a pretty good deal on a Prime Scout I’m looking at so that’s why I figured I’d ask the experienced people here.
Ag insider logo xs@2xmayoradamwest
bpoletti
1,546 posts
 
My opinion based on years of experience....

Let's compare rega tables against similarly priced competition.  Sine they are mentioned above, we can look at the RP8 and RP6 as examples using Acoustic Sounds web site as a reference....

RP8 ($3000 - $4200) compared to a Clearaudio Performance DC ($3600), VPI Prime / 3D tonearm ($4000) or VPI CLassic 1 / 2 ($3300 - $4000). Is the stock RP8 anywhere close to any of these tables?  Is it competitive in performance with these tables as delivered STOCK?

RP6 ($2000 - $2200)? VPI Prime Scout ($2200), Clearaudio Concept ($1800). Does the stock rega come in anywhere above a very distant third?    



gochurchgo
908 posts
 
@bpoletti  which of the tables you mentioned have the best dynamics if one were looking for a punchy and dynamic sound? My googling always comes back to the Technics but I struggle with how a table affects this vs the cartridge.
bpoletti
1,546 posts
 
@gochurchgo - 

My opinion....

Everything else being equal, my opinion on the listed tables is that it would be either the Clearaudio Performance or the Prime / 3D arm.  I think the 3D arm on the Prime would push the VPI ahead.  IMO, a good arm seems to make a difference in a cartridge's ability to reproduce tight, popping dynamics.

Just my opinion.   

I wish I had more experience with the Technics tables.  It is a line I confess a minimum of familiarity. 

 
knollbrent's avatar
knollbrent
508 posts
 
I've got the 1200 GR is the first table I purchased and love it! Tables need to fulfill many requirements. They must sound good, aesthetic quality is important and budget. I'm proud to say I'm a two turntable man now! I just purchased a vintage Luxman PD-444 from Japan and can't wait to try it out. Two tables under $4000. 

@mayoradamwest you'll find what you need, just take your time. 
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mayoradamwest OP
429 posts
 
For those following along, I do appreciate all the feedback in this thread. I think the advice that I most took to heart was finding a local shop. I did just that. There is an amazing shop very close to me with selection of turntables, speakers, and components. After listening and discussion with the owner about my setup, we landed on a Rega RP8 with an Ortofon Black cartridge. He’s going to do the setup for me and he has the same one on demo so he can show me everything I need to know. Hearing the table (vs several others) and reading reviews, I think I’m going to be quite happy with this setup. Luckily, he also has 100% trade in credit towards another table if I’m not happy. 

So the moral of the story here is probably that the best advice was to find a local shop. I learned way more from doing that than reading any review. 
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