Should I buy a VPI SCOUTMASTER. I OWN 25 RECORDS.

I had a budget of about 4 grand to put into an analog setup. I think I am still going to do it but I am going to buy a used table for 2 grand and a used DAC for 2. Anyone heard of a Acoustic signature primus table? I can get one used for 1200 bucks. Then throw a 800 dollar Cartridge on it and call it a day. Anyone heard of Berkeley DAC's? BEL CANTO DAC? Can get those used for 2 grand. 

I recently got back into vinyl a couple years ago by purchasing a Scoutmaster with the jmw arm and a ortofon 2m blue mm cartridge. It sounded good to me and I was enjoying it more than cds on my PS audio direct stream dac/memory player(transport). Soon after I picked up another VPI arm wand with nordost wiring and a Hana SH cartridge. I was using a cheap Vincent phono preamp for a little while to get started and it sounded okay for 250 on sale. Things really improved when I picked up an Alnic H 1201 tubed phono preamp and Kiseki Purple Heart cartridge that I found here for a decent price. I also found a Fosgate signature Signature Phono preamp on usaudio that I couldn’t resist after getting a taste of tubes. I prefer the Fosgate over the Alnic even though it’s quite a bit noisier. I picked up a 6 month old VPI Prime a few months ago on Usaudio and love the sound of the sound of the 3D arm even though the Scoutmaster seemed to go a little deeper in the o
low end. So to sum it all up I really fell hard back into vinyl which to me is just more musically involving and makes it hard to sit down and really enjoy digital anymore. I don’t have a lot of experience with other tables but VPI seem to hold there value pretty well and have an extensive upgrade path. If you can go listen to a decent table and and really good digital front end and see which one you want to invest more? This is kinda what got me back into vinyl and made me keep buying new and used records frequently. 

Be careful on choosing a VPI especially from the second hand market :

https://www.whatsbestforum.com/threads/my-vpi-avenger-reference-problems-adventures.30077/#post-6293...

http://vpiforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=13293

http://vpiforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=13376

http://vpiforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=13412

http://vpiforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=13391

No.

I've been working on my LP collection since 1968. I have LP's from my parents, and even a box full of lacquer 78's.


But I have an excuse, and even then a VPI is starting to push it. If you're in love with vinyl, in love with the "ritual", then I'd certainly recommend working your way up to it. But investing in the software first, not the front end. Which could take a year, which could take a few years.

But it seems a waste for about 1100 minutes of music. If I were starting over I'd go with FLAC and DAC and not look back. Me? I grew up with LP's, staring at the covers, and used to live my life in 20 minute doses. I love the whole ritual thing, as time consuming and dumb as it is. YMMV.

I would suggest you get set up to align your own cartridges (if you haven't already). Then try out a couple on your current table. Just remember they can be used on your next one. 

You can also set yourself up to clean your records. Small inexpensive "tweaks" may help you decide if you want to become more "invested" or keep what you have. You can build a nice digital front end to go with it.

I am thinking about a Schiit Sol turntable for my collection of about 200. I bought most of them before "compact disks" became all the rage. I did buy a couple. I also inherited my wife's grandfather's collection. Mostly classical and big band. I am leaning towards a Soundsmith  Otello cartridge to go with it. I have an old Panasonic turntable and I am currently using an Audio Technica. My review: It plays records.