Next Analog Steps: VPI Scout Users

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.

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.

Dodgealum,

Given your stated preferences, I agree with Tfkaudio that the Lyra line is a possibility. I don't know about the specific compatibility of any of their cartridges with your tonearm, so this is based entirely on the nature of Lyra cartridges. I've owned the Lydian, Helikon and I now have a Titan. The whole line is characterized by clarity, speed and dynamics without being overly lean, sibilant or edgy. Lyra cartridges have a reputation for requiring arms that can handle the high amount of resonant energy transmitted by the cartridge. I've heard Lyra cartridges work well in an SME 309 arm, a Graham 1.5t arm (also a unipivot) and my Vector arm.

On the not quite as fast and dynamic front, but, still very lively and engaging, I would suggest the Transfiguration Phoenix. It is one of the better cartridges that is not extremely high priced. I heard that cartridge in a Naim Aro arm, which is another unipivot, so I think it should work for you. I have a Transfiguration Orpheus myself. That is a VERY fine cartridge, though a bit more expensive than the Phoenix.

One of the "fastest" and most dynamically exciting cartridges I've heard is the VdH Colibri. That is a very expensive cartridge with a reputation for being tempermental (some are good, some not so good, they have to be sent back for the manufacturer to retune, etc.).

The Decca London is a very high output moving magnet that is very dynamic and exciting. It has a reputation for being really hard to set up and match with the right arm, but, it sounded quite good to me.

If it is possible to hear a new cartridge I would go there. From what I have read of the JMW arms is that they are fairly compatible with a lot of really good pickups.ZYX comes to mind.I have heard a ZYX with a VPI Aries/JMW 12.6 and it was glorious. I have been told that some of the ZYX are very picky as to setup and clean records.
A Benz Glider or "L" would also be a good choice.
Also Dynavectors.

The main thing is how does it work for you and your system.

i would go for the Shelter 5000 or 7000 for that table. Its quite a good synergy