Kubla,
This past Sunday, I attended a demonstration of the latest TNT Hotrod (at a NJAS club meeting) and we also had the new VPI Scout on hand for comparison, with the 9" arm and the SDS, which sounded very respectable as well.
I believe the 9" arm is an upgrade over the older JMW 10" arm, although the VTA adjustment is not as sophisticated. Combined with the SDS, it should outperform the older table, and you may find a SDS on the used market for a good price. VPI is currently working on an upgrade for their JMW 10.5 arm, based on improvements implemented on the 9" Scout version... They've already done this on the new 12.6 arm, which now has an internal ceramic coating and a fine trackin-force adjustment (plus an improved bearing), I believe.
We heard the Scout with and without the SDS, and though some members preferred the sound without the SDS, many, including me, thought the SDS made a substantial improvement, especially in terms of bass tightness and extension.
We got to hear the TNT Hotrod (with new periphery clamp) through the Manley Steelhead and a new Sutherland battery-powered phono stage (that takes 16 D batteries and lists for around $3k). The consensus was that the Sutherland was smoother and more focused sounding (and many preferred it), though the Manley appeared more detailed and seemed to throw a larger soundstage. It was a cool meeting, with VPI's Harry Weisfeld having fun as the guest presenter.
I guess that was more than you wanted to know, but I hope it helps. :)
This past Sunday, I attended a demonstration of the latest TNT Hotrod (at a NJAS club meeting) and we also had the new VPI Scout on hand for comparison, with the 9" arm and the SDS, which sounded very respectable as well.
I believe the 9" arm is an upgrade over the older JMW 10" arm, although the VTA adjustment is not as sophisticated. Combined with the SDS, it should outperform the older table, and you may find a SDS on the used market for a good price. VPI is currently working on an upgrade for their JMW 10.5 arm, based on improvements implemented on the 9" Scout version... They've already done this on the new 12.6 arm, which now has an internal ceramic coating and a fine trackin-force adjustment (plus an improved bearing), I believe.
We heard the Scout with and without the SDS, and though some members preferred the sound without the SDS, many, including me, thought the SDS made a substantial improvement, especially in terms of bass tightness and extension.
We got to hear the TNT Hotrod (with new periphery clamp) through the Manley Steelhead and a new Sutherland battery-powered phono stage (that takes 16 D batteries and lists for around $3k). The consensus was that the Sutherland was smoother and more focused sounding (and many preferred it), though the Manley appeared more detailed and seemed to throw a larger soundstage. It was a cool meeting, with VPI's Harry Weisfeld having fun as the guest presenter.
I guess that was more than you wanted to know, but I hope it helps. :)