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vpi scoutmaster versus technics unbiased

Anyone heard both the vpi scoutmaster and the technics mk5g not the earlier versions and preferably with tonerarm dampen kit to tell me whether there is big difference in sonics. Lets assume no sds or clamp with vpi but newer tonearm. phonostage is dartzeel preamp and amp is dartzeel as well. by the way i am happy with the technics mk5g that I have but wondering whether the scoutmaster with my existing benz ace low output cartridge would have a lower noisefloor or what would the benefits necessarily be. I listen to jazz and rock. If you sneer at direct drive then at least admit it so I am aware of the bias.

thanks

mike

thanks

mike
radioheadokplayer
hififile
236 posts
 
Hi Radiohead,
I have both the Sl1200 with a KAB damper, matt, rewire, and a VPI Scoutmaster stock. Both are going into an Ayre P5xe phono preamp.

Both sound excellent. Now, they have different cartridges. The Technics has an Audio-Technica AT-33PTG moving coil, and the VPI has a Dynavector 20H.

The Technics offers fantastic ease of use, very good cost to performance ratio, easy set up and easy cartridge changes (removeable headshells & easy VTA).

The VPI requires a larger investment, has better ability to track excellent cartridges.

Now, in regards to sound quality, when I have a serious listening session with a very fine LP, I always go to the VPI. It sounds better to me. Blacker backgrounds, better image, noticeable bass depth and power.

If I'm having friends over and playing their records, or having a party, I like the Technics which still sounds very, very good. The KAB modifications are superb and I highly recommend them if you select the Technics.

I hope this helps, that's just my SPIN on things!
Post removed 
radioheadokplayer OP
181 posts
 
I am going to stick with the technics tt for now and maybe one day change out but keep this for awhile since I really like it and work on getting better at cleaning my records with the vpi 16.5.

Michael
johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 
I have an SL1210 M5G, and pretty much every tweak I've made improves inner clarity, dynamics, and lowers noise floor. These have included the fluid damper, a sorbothane (not sorbogel) mat, Sumiko or LPGear ZuPreme headshell, brass footers, thick plank platform, and shock abosorbing footers under the plank. I recently swapped out the Vibrapods under the plank for a pair of plank-wide thick gel pads. They're actually gel wrist rests for computer keyboard that I got from Office Max. I estimate they further isolated the turntable from room noise by about 1.5 dB *over * the Vibrapods.

You will also lower the internal noise of the SL12x0 series if you get some factory bearing oil (I got a tube from KAB) and lube up the spindle bearing. Easily the best $4.95 you can spend to improve the performance of this TT.

By the time I did all those things, the cumulative effect on the SL1210 was transforming. The combination of quart-controlled direct drive and these vibration control and isolation upgrades has made for a dynamic and rhythmically compelling presentation.
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