VPI SCOUTMASTER UPGRADE TO ?

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.

I wonder about Scoutmaster ingenral.Whyb not a Blackknight ordered with better bearing and platter.I know that there are two reason (oposing) in physics with short verus longer arms but since I am not going change VTA every damn LP I play keeping the 9 especially since it can be gotten with better wiring is a nice idea.When I bought my extended Aries Mike the head VPI tech told me that while the VPI can use the flywheel the Aries actaully sounded better without it.Now I see thatanother in the plethora of options they offer is to replace the tall motor (for Aries,Blackknight,Scoumaster(?1?) combines what one assumes is the new 300 rpm with the flywheel.Well at least you can get anti skatingg device which everyone (including Wally of Wally tools who of course says his is better before he had set eyes on the VPI model).Well with over 90,000 tables out there with the VPI moniker on the who can blame then for offering more upgrades.Just rips me that some aren't backward compatible like the ring overpriced as it may be can't fit earlier models which when introduced were "S.O.T.A).I know that I don't Need size of my current rig and have buyer but have to be carefull in which table to go with.Nice to know that you can turn the Scoutmaster into a super without new plinth.But Blackknight can be upgraded till cows come how either with new 9" arm OR by goinmg to 10.6.Just tired of how damn big the exetended is inmy little apt.
Chazzbo

From what I learned talking with Mike at VPI.

JMW-9 is shorter, but much more rigid in structure both in arm tube and in arm base. Consequently, it's the best sounding arm in all JMW family BEFORE the Vahalla wire or new Signature upgrade. Why do you think VPI is not re-wiring the JMW-10/12 with Vahalla?

Super Scout uses something that HRX doesn't have, wood base. If you talk with most Clearaudio owner, they will tell you their tables are clear, transparent, and FLAT sounding. Yes, that's the sound of acrylic plinth. On the other hand, Teres are loved by audiophiles around the world because of its wood sound. Super Scout retains the wood base and adds the big motor & power supply, it's a formula that guarantees good sound.

And I have been waiting for my Super Scout with Signature arm for 3 months now...