Getting The Most Out Of My Scout

It's very scientific, it just sounds better. Deeper, fuller, more extended. I don't know what the technical reasons are, but it's a better sounding rig. I have never heard anyone who had both say any different.

Cmalak, thanks great article.

Well, I've read the Audio Beat review as well as (most) of the posts at the linked forum and I'm not convinced. First, I fail to see how a motor mounted to the plinth of the Classic (no matter how well isolated) can introduce less vibration than the outboard set up on the Scout series. Second, there is no mention of the bearing construction in the review (the website simply says "silent inverted type") so I do not see any evidence of superior bearing design over the Scout series. Third, the Classic uses the noisier 600 RPM motor while most Scouts (like mine) have the upgraded and quieter 300 RPM version. While the feet, tonearm (and wiring) of the Classic are probably superior to those of the Scout, I doubt these are of a magnitude to put the Classic in an entirely different league. Bottom line: these tables are more similar than different and other than a different cosmetic wrap I fail to see what all the fuss is over this table. I suspect the biggest difference sonically has to do with an aluminum versus acrylic platter, which will make the tables sound different though I'm not sure one material is better than the other. Overall, the VPI's are good value for money tables but are not, IMHO, in the same league as some of the better tables out there like the Raven One for example.

You have not heard the table, by reading your comments. Your analysis of the engineering behind the tables is spot on, which is why everyone, myself included, is shocked when they hear the table.

The reason every review is outstanding, is becuse the table is really that good. Also, there is a reason production is so far behind demand. I think VPI is shocked at the demand response, I think they thought it would be a cool, retro, niche deck for the modified AR, Thorens, Garrard, Technics crew. In fact, I assume it has actually hurt sales of their much higher priced decks, and I bet they never counted on that.

No, I have not heard it yet and am certainly open to a change of heart but it just baffles me that it could be that much better given what I've read about the design elements. I'll have to give it a spin and see for myself.