2. analog
  3. 1219667757

Anyone NOT like the sound of VPI?

I'm wondering if I'm just not a VPI guy. Bought a Scoutmaster with signature JMW arm and a Shelter 501 MKII cartridge. This was after buying a Rega P3-24 with an Elys II cartridge. Thought the Rega was very dark sounding (at least with that cartridge).

The VPI sounded unnatural to me (no midbass whatsoever). Thought it was a bad cartridge, but recently heard a Scout (with signature arm) equipped with a Dynavector cartridge. This was on a system at a retailer where I was auditioning speakers and I didn't think it sounded much different from what I have at home.

While I hate overdone midbass, I certainly miss it if it's absent. I'm wondering if I'm just not a VPI guy and should try something else - maybe a Rega (P5?) with a different cartridge...

madfloyd
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,284 posts
 
I still think its most likely an issue with the low compliance cartridge. Vpihw's suggestion of adding mass to the tonearm is worth a try.
narrod
1,064 posts
 
Vpihw is Harry Weisfield. Listen to what he says about his products and ignore the rest of us. He won't steer you wrong.
deaf_j
23 posts
 
My Scout came with a Dynavector marked 20X.
9" arm.
The box has the H checked.
It only has an H and an L box to check.
Is the M a new version?
I love the Scout with a JLTi phono and the 20XH.
Would the 20XM or 20XL be an improvement?
madfloyd OP
411 posts
 
Thanks again for all the responses. I'm learning a lot. Can I ask for a suggestion of how to add weight to the headshell? Can you purchase these weights somewhere?

I do want to purchase a Dynavector; my dealer is suggesting I wait until I sort out my speaker issue, but I'm not sure I can wait that long. :-)
vpihw
8 posts
 
The M is faster than the H almost as fast as the L but has a very powerful impact on transients with the right phono section or transformer and loading. With a transformer around 40 ohms with a phono section around 1K

HW
More to discover