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Getting The Most Out Of My Scout

Hi Folks:

For a variety of reasons I've decided, for now, to keep my VPI Scout and upgrade my cartridge from a Dynavector 20XM to a Dynavector XX2MKII. Before my cartridge arrives and I make the change I'd like to make sure I'm getting the most possible performance out of my Scout. I am aware of the following upgrades that are available through VPI:

300 RPM Motor (I have this already)
Super Platter and Bearing
HRX Mini Feet
JMW9T Arm (with Nordost wiring?)
Stainless Steel Clamp
SDS Speed Control

Are there any I am forgetting?

Here is my question: Which of the available upgrades will provide the biggest performance improvement? If anyone cares to rank order the upgrade options that would be great.

Final question: I am interested in using a better set up jig (better than the stock one from VPI) when I install the new Dyna XX2MKII. Which of those available allow the best cartridge alignment for this table? I've seen a few out there but cannot tell which would be the best to use.

Thanks for your help!
128x128dodgealum
cmalak
681 posts
 
Macdad...I agree with you in terms of VPI's surprise, although, believe me, I think Harry Weisfeld/VPI is extremely happy with the response they are seeing with regards to the Classic because, their higher priced tables are very low volume sellers, so they are happy to cannibalize some of those sales and build the backlog for the Classic. I am sure it is still a very profitable table and this gives them some stability of sales that they can plan around.
macdadtexas
1,794 posts
 
Cmalak, you are exactly right I am sure. After having a couple of great Clearaudio tables, I bought a Scout, and did some of the upgrades, then switched to an Aries I (the one everyone raves about being incredible with the original platter). I used the SDS and ring clamp on both, and really didn't like either of them anywhere near as well as my Clearaudio Solution or Performance, and I was planning on trying out a much more expensive Sota (hey, I found out they are made about 2 miles from where I grew up) rig, but after hearing a Classic in someone else's setup that I knew very well, I decided to try a VPI one last time.

I have never been sorry in any way that I bought this table. I don't know why it does, but it just absolutely rocks. The Whole seems much better than the sum of it's parts in the this instance, to quote a well warn cliche. I got rid of the SDS too, I don't know why, but it made no difference in the set up. I do still use the periphery ring, well a new one anyway.

I am skeptical of most of what I read on audio, and that skeptisism is usually justified, but in this instance, I was dead wrong. I really think this table could be a seminal piece of gear in the same manner the still excellent Linn LP12 is.

I'm a big fan if you can't yet tell. I'm sad that I am running out of pieces of my system to replace. It sucks getting content.
cmalak
681 posts
 
Macdad...I am sure you will find a way to upgrade/replace/tweak your system :-) Glad you are having such a good time with the Classic. I am still waiting for my dealer to get it in so I can take a listen. This will be my first tt setup so I want to take my time and make sure I get something that floats my boat.
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