VPI HW 19 3.5 w/REGA 300 vs. VPI Scout w/JMW 9 arm

I will play devil's advocate and suggest that you buy the HW-19. It is a terrific table that I assume will cost you considerably less that the Scout. It can be upgraded with a MK4 platter, or TNT MK5 platter. Switch out the spring suspension for sorbothane or other type of less compliant suspension, and I believe it will beat the Scout in most ways. Additionally, it is as arm-friendly as any table ever made. Should you want some other arm (including linear trackers)in the future, it would probably be a better platform for it.

The JMW arm is an excellent arm. Its virtues can best be accomplished with the use of a MINT protractor, and the best cartridge you can install in it. My suggestion is to get the Scout, do all the mods as your finances permit, and listen to your records without fear of "if only".

Actually the Scout will cost me about $200 more, has the full dust cover a new cart with les than 100 hours on it and one bonus goody which the HW 19 does not have. I will have to drive an extra 2 hours each way, but I think overall it will be well worth.
Thanks guys all your posts were and are very helpful.

Ended up with a Scout w/out a dustcover for less than the HW19. I was able to source a dust cover separately and still kept the cost below the HW19. I am liking the sound so far.

Did you get the new Scout with the aluminum platter? I have a HW19 and have been thinking about a Aries or a Scout in the future. I love the JMW arm.You can adjust the VTA while listening.How cool is that?

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