VPI Scoutmaster Upgrade

I think I'd go with Sonofjim's advice. The 10.5 upgrade is not as urgent as the heavy platter and rim drive...both major improvements.

Do you actually use the Periphery Ring Clamp? I have heard a VPI HRX with and with the Periphery Ring Clamp. I prefered without. I was at a dealer, he was using watt/puppies and ML amps. They will sell the Periphery Ring Clamp if people ask for it but, and I tend to agree with them it is no good.

Mordante...en contrar.. Sure you can play your records however you like, but the combination of the clamp and the center spindle weight act to flatten the record against the table. ..if nothing else, that now flattened record enables your arm to glide easily across the record without the trip being an obstacle course with undulations which encourages sports "sports car handling" for your cartridge. Yes I know your cartridge tracks well, however, an easy trip makes for better sound. I am also wondering if your dealer had the heavy platter installed. I encourage you to listen to that platter for final judgement.

Mordante, years ago, I listened to the VPI all-acrylic platter for a several-month in my own audio system before trying the ring clamp. I then did some comparative listening with the periphery ring clamp prior to buying one for my TNT-6 several years ago.

In my system, I found that the sound of the acrylic platter without the ring clamp was a bit lean, cold and analytical. The ring clamp appeared to introduce some much needed dampening of energy and, in my system, had the effect of eliminating a sound character that reminded me of digital glare and restoring a richer, weightier tonal balance. The heavier "Super Platter" will take the tonal balance of the VPi turntables even further in this direction, providing noticeably more bass weight and authority - more reminiscent of the sound of the old Mk. V and earlier TNTs that used heavy platters and undermount bearings.

I also recommend the VPI rim drive mechanism. The new drive mechanism is a significant improvement over the VPI belt-drive design. The rim drive will give you much better dynamics, tighter and more tuneful bass, and significantly improved PRaT.

Dump the scoutmaster and start over, x the ring, cart and sds. Get a unit with the 10.5i, super platter and rim drive. VPI upgrades are just not cost effective. Better to sell off the old and start over with a VPI new rig. Shop, shop and more shop. Some dealers with package with a 20% off, free shipping and out of state will yield no sales tax.

As for the acrylic platter, just say no. Going back to the original TNT you will find it does not provide a proper tonal balance.