Upgrade from Scout to Scoutmaster-how did it go?

Tough question when you limit it to only the plinth. The Scoutmaster also has a different motor and larger platter, so the whole package works together.

I did the Scout to Scoutmaster upgrade last year and am still very happy. I've upgraded the phono pre a few times since, and it's kept up all the way to the Tom Evans Groove.

The actual Scout to Scoutmaster (as basic as the plinth, motor, platter) upgrade gives you a good amount more detail and much lower background noise.

I also added the SDS and a Gingko Cloud 11 around the same time. The SDS was the most significant upgrade IMO and should be mandatory for anyone even thinking about upgrading their Scout. The Cloud 11 was good, but not as significant as any of the other upgrades I made around that time.

Interesting about Gingko not being as dramatic as other upgrades since harry said in Ginko press "Adding Ginko is like going from $500 to $2500 Cartridge" or words to that effect.I spoke with Mike a VPI and he said any motor can haul arround any platter and when I asked him which was better a Scout with $1K heavy supper platter or Scoutmaster he went with Scout and said they are great with heavy plater.I guess it's platter inertia that makes big difference.Am thinking of going from large Aries 1/TNT5 to Scout all tricked with SDS,$1K heavy platter,outter ring clamp,BDR racing Clamp (I have two piece would like one piece)Mini Feet(or Cloud from Gingko).Reduction in arm and plinth subsidies cost of others an though I give up VTA on Fly it's just if I stay with Stock Aries (or get Platter and outer ring) I have to have bigger rack and pay mega $$ for extra tubes.Plus I'd have Valhalla wiring and anti-skate on 9" cheaper than modding 12.5.Some folks think I am nuts but Mike at VPI thinks I'll dig it.He thinks SDS and heavy plater (even a TNT5) will make big difference without long arm massive plinth.
Thanks
Chazz

As much as I respect the guys at VPI, I think they have too many upgrade paths right now and it's becoming a bit of a maze.

I wish I'd just bought a Super Scoutmaster instead of doing all the upgrades :)

I agree with Mike. I think the platter is the most effective part of the Scout to Scoutmaster upgrade. You really don't lose VTA on the fly.. it's maybe not quite as easy but I've done it no problem. It's a knob easily turned at the base. Just have to take it slow and be careful not to bump the arm.