VPI SCOUTMASTER UPGRADE TO ?


I currently have a VPI Scoutmaster and considering an upgrade. To go to the Super Scoutmaster which includes to the best of my knowledge the following: 1. HRX motor assembly, 2. Outer ring and inner clamp 3. SDS controller
Also I would consider the new JMW-9 signature Arm. The total cost of the above would be about $6000.00, about $3500.00 out of pocket to upgrade. Would I be better off
selling my Scoutmaster, take a loss and purchase something
else? Any thoughts would be appreciated.
kjl
I spoke w. someone intimitaly familiar w. the HRX & the Super Scout Master. He mentioned that Super Scout Master was in fact the better sounding unit. He also mentioned that he was not alone in that opinion. They mentioned that the Superscoutmaster left the life in the music.
Hi John Brown, In my neck of the woods we have acouple of great Jazz F.M. stations thats listened to threw an upgraded Fisher 100-B tube tuner. When the main system is off we have a modest collection of 1950s German Saba and Telefunken radios through out the house.We try not to sit and watch alot of t.v. Dont get me wrong here...silence is golden also. This Valhalla wire up grade and new 9 inch arm available really has me interestd.I will be sending my stock arm and junction box down to VPI this week for the new statement arm.Sight unheard and reveiwed .If I have to wait ,I can wait,got to go ,The Ray Brown Trio is about to be spun....
Hi DGAD,Interesting ,I have heard the HRX with a top line Clearaudio cartridge on a couple of occasions at a audio store. On first listening ,LP after LP I found it too laid back and uninvolving for my liking.The second occasion I heard a direct comparison between the HRX and a SME 20-2 ,both with identical Clearaudio cart.The SME wiped the floor with the HRX ,no contest.Sorry HRX owners, really...no contest...The store owner is going to mount the Dynavector drtxv-1s on the tables soon. The Dynavector is not going to help the HRX.I will get the owner of the store to mount that Dynavector on a Scoutmaster with sds ect and do a direct to the HRX.BTW DGAG... Holy Smoke,Great system you have.
does anyone ever just buy a vpi turnatable and use it. it seems everyone can't wait to spend a fortune upgrading, and then bail to another brand. what gives? 3k worth of upgrades buys a lot of vinyl, even today.
Stiltskin,

Thanks for the complements. Nothing like hearing it for yourself. The SME 20 was under serious consideration. It lost based on the silliest of reasons. I don't like the way it looks. Mind you, I really wanted multiple tonearms as well. But if SME can redesign the 20 to just look better imagine the sales. The HRX is definitely one of the best looking turntables out there. The ScoutMaster is supposed to be amazing. I not supposed to say whose opinion it is, but many people trust this person. He/she really loves the ScoutMaster & has a strong dislike for the HRX in comparison.