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Next Analog Steps: VPI Scout Users

I recently added a separate phonostage to my system (Whest PS.30) and have really enjoyed rediscovering my vinyl collection. Of course, now I'm thinking of where to go next. Playback rig is a Scout/JMW9/Dynavector 20XM (medium output version at 1mv).

I'm thinking of upgrading the cartridge but do not want to "over buy" for what is essentially a good quality entry level turntable. So,

1. What would be the upper limit you would spend on a cartridge for the Scout?

2. What cartridges would you recommend that mate well with this table/arm combination AND come in at the price limit you have established above? Output and loading is not an issue since the Whest has plenty of gain and flexibility. Please rank your suggestions and, if possible, tell me a little about the sound characteristics of each. My priorities: speed, dynamics, detail and tonal balance in that order.

Thanks for your suggestions!
128x128dodgealum
tom_hankins
928 posts
 
If your happy with Dynavector. I'll second the cartridge upgrade to the XX2 MKII. A big upgrade over your current cartridge and works well with your table and arm.
vandermeulen
191 posts
 
You dont have limitations in cartridges for that table. It can handle even the best cartridges. Money is another issue altogether. My friend uses a ZYX bloom and it sounds amazing on that TT. Quite inexpensive for what you get really. For compliance purposes, you would need to add weight to the cartridge. I'm not sure what the specs are on that arm, but the ZYX are light, and usually requires a weight. Most come with a weight to afix to the top.
tfkaudio
591 posts
 
Based on your priorities, I would suggest a Lyra cartridge.

Cheers.
dodgealum's avatar
dodgealum OP
1,404 posts
 
Thanks Dan for your helpful suggestions. I've thought about upgrading my turntable but the models I've considered are quite a bit more expensive than the Scout (Hanss T-20/SME IV and Raven One/Graham) and I'm not sure I will be getting all that much bang for the buck going in that direction. I think I may get more sonic benefit by upgrading the cartridge and I can always shift the new cartridge to a new table and arm if I ever do have that kind of money to spend on a new table.

I wonder if there are other suggested cartridges that might work really well in the Scout that I have not considered? The Dynavector XX2MKII would seem a very good choice (thanks Tom and Dan) since it would appear that the Dyna's have a particular affinity for the JWM series arm on the VPI's. I also like the sound of my 20XM and more/better of the same would be just fine by me. Are there other cartridges that would mate equally well with my table and arm that you could suggest? Perhaps ones that favor dynamics, speed, detail and tonal accuracy more so than the XX2MKII? Musicmaker III? Soundsmith "The Voice"? Benz? Shelter?

Thanks for all the help.
jdaniel13
129 posts
 
I, too, upgraded from Dyna20xl to the XX2 and I'm deliriously happy--I can't make it so much as hiccup, and it maintains a "beginning of the Lp" big, round, spacious sound at the end of the Lp much better than the 20xl. High, clanking piano, cold flutes, horns, etc. maintain their roundness.
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