Next Upgrade for VPI Scoutmaster TT


My current analog setup consists of the following configuration:

VPI Scoutmaster TT
VPI SSM carbon-infused black Acrylic Platter
VPI JMW-9 Signature tonearm
VPI SDS Power Supply
VPI Center Weight
VPI Periphery Ring
Dynavector DV-20X Low MC Cartridge
Dynavector P-75 MK-II Phono Stage

I listen mostly to Jazz and Classical music and I'm very pleased with the overall sound of my analog setup.

If this was your analog setup, what would you upgrade for under $2000 US?
agiaccio
Hi Stanwal,

With regards to placing cone feet underneath the VPI motor, it seems logic would suggest not to transmit the vibrations of the motor to the surface it sits on for fear that the vibrations would then travel over to the table more easily. Seems like squishy feet would work better. Have you experimented with squishy feet as well as cones under the motor - thanks for the responses.
Yes, I tried some small sorbothane discs under the motor, they were better than the standard feet but I liked the points better. It may well depend on the turntable stand, I use a Star Sound rack and everything is designed to transfer any vibrations out of the system as quickly as possible. I also use a TNT stand with a maple cutting board sitting on it resting on either cones or FIM rollers. My thoughts on this run this way, using the points transfers the motor vibrations to the stand, either of which is quite rigid and massive, where they should have little effect. Putting a soft object under the motor prevents its vibrations from reaching the base but keeps them in the motor where they are transferred by the belt to the platter,where they are more likely to interfere with playback. I prefer the former but , as they say, milage may differ.
Stanwal, I have been considering the .2 Audiopoints for a TNT motor & flywheel. Do the .2s have an adhesive back or a threaded stud? Do you use them with the cup bases, and if so, do you hear improvement with the bases?

A soft pad underneath an outboard motor may solve some problems while causing others. Any excessive compliance that allows the pulley to vibrate will alter belt geometry and adversely affect transient speed stability.
I just finished implementing DIY stillpoints on the TNT motor. This is an improvement over the stock rubber feet. Each footer is a pyramid of five 1/4" ball bearings captured by the spring steel petals of a 5/8" chrome hole plug from Lowes. The vacated stud holes in the motor case locate each of four ball points. About $8 for the set.