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VPI super mini feet under VPI Scout ??

I decided to purchase the Super Mini Feet to try under the Scout. I had to put a platform under the power supply to raise it up (mini feet are not that mini)and the power cord makes the motor sit at a funny angle now. My custom dust cover clears the feet no problem.

This may have been money poorly spent as I don't notice any discernible difference over the stock cones. Perhaps the Scout does not have enough mass to properly load the mini feet?

The TT is level and sitting on a rigid platform. Set-up is Scout/JMW 9/Linn Adikt cart, Simaudio LP 5.3. TT was set-up by a knowledgeable vinyl head so I don't think that's an issue.

Has anyone out there tried this? I'm thinking I should have just upgraded my cartridge to a Shelter 501 instead. Thoughts?

Cheers
bshapperd
stanwal's avatar
stanwal
3,147 posts
 
How do you know it is a waste of money, have you tried it or do you possess psychic powers? The prevalence of posts by members who have never heard what they are commenting on suggests that many do.
goatwuss
877 posts
 
What type of improvements were you looking for? The stock VPI scout feet are not bad or broken to begin with...

I wouldn't suggest a Shelter cartridge for a VPI. Benz, Dynavector and Ortofon are all better matches for the JMW arm for compliance reasons.
bshapperd OP
84 posts
 
Goatwuss (nice tag name) The soundstage is not what it is with the same music through my digital front end. As I am new to vinyl I thought I'd try.

Any specific carts from the above manufacturers you would recommend? I'm thinking around $1000 list when new. I know VPI has their own signature version of a Dynavector. I want to get a noticeable improvement in detail, soudstage and cymbal realism. My phono stage has adjustable settings so mc or mm would work.

cheers.
sns
3,492 posts
 
I think I can understand why they would be of little use. They are providing a bit of suspension for a table that's not designed for suspension. These VPI's are mass loaded designs, designed to drain vibrations away from table, why would you want to reintroduce vibration through any sort of suspension.

Everytime I've tried any sort of suspension deivice with my Scoutmaster it has smeared the sound, focus is lost, inprecise imaging, bloated bass, softened dynamics. I just don't understand those that find favor with any suspension devices.

Now, I do understand somewhat the idea of the mini feet, they are similar to the other ball bearing devices, allow movement while retaining direct coupling. Still, it seems they are not as effective as the Aurios and Stillpoints devices. These may be a real alternative to the stock spikes. Still, I have my doubts about these devices as they would seem to allow competing movements from differing vibrations from various parts of the tt.

For now, I leave my Scoutmaster securely spike into my DIY sandbox. Springs underneath the sandbox, as some advocate here, may serve to isolate the sandbox from outside forces, I can see that. But above the sandbox or other stable platform, no way!
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