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VPI Scout ... move to Scoutmaster or even further

Now that I'm convinced playing vinyl is the most rewarding listening, I'm thinking of more performance from my set-up. I bought a Scout with a 20x H Dynevector cart. mated to a Anthem Pre1P and have enjoyed that for awhile now. I'm thinking of possibly moving to a Scoutmaster but have been recommended to just step-up to a better table altogether, a Nottingham Spacedec, keeping my other gear intact. The thinking is at this stage the table is the critical link and although the Scout a great table at its price, the upgraded ones are essentially more of the same. Moving to a even higher end table gives a better overall design for essentially the same cost. This seems to make sense but am wondering what you all think. Initially I was a bit hesitant at all buying such a good table to start as once the thrill wears off, it might sit and collect dust. After a year and a half, now I know that isn't the case. Those records spin continuously where before the shinny discs never really did.
sailfishben
riffer
362 posts
 
I have The Scout + 20XH, as you do.

I think that, at this point, the limiting factor is the cartridge, not the table. For example, I had a Benz M0.9 that lacked the dynamics of the Dynavector, but added significant detail. Too bad I broke it.

I will be looking for a Dynavector Karat or Sumiko Blackbird later in the year, as well as a few others to try out.

Now if you were going to upgrade both the table, and cartridge, I can see that. My point is that there is still headroom left with the Scout to offer significant improvement without the expense of an entire new set-up.
etbaby
138 posts
 
Hi,

Go the the VPI website and read HiFi+ magazine reviews on the Scout vs. Scoutmaster. The summary is dead on.

I own a scout table and I have made several upgrades that I can recommend.

1. Change to a better tonearm cable-suggest you try the VPI discovery cable.
2. Upgrade to the VPI SDS power supply
3. Upgrade to the HRX 300 RPM motor
4. Change the phono preamplifier to ARC PH5 (fantastic upgrade, fantastic phono preamplifier)
5. Power cables to the motor make a slight difference that is audible

Hope this helps
mikeyaya
35 posts
 
I did the same thing you are currently thinking about almost two years ago. I sold my Scout and bought a Nott spacedeck. I kept the Dynevector cartridge (same as yours) and put it on the Nott. There was no comparison. The Nott is far superior. More musical, warm, only good things and with the same cart. Do not think twice, get the Nott.
rushton's avatar
rushton
2,445 posts
 
Hmmm..., I'll differ in this recommendation. The upgrade from the Scout to the Scoutmaster (with 300rpm motor) is a very material and very worthwhile upgrade, imo. I haven't directly compared a Scoutmaster and a Nottingham Spacedeck in the same system, but I've listened to both in different systems belonging to members of our local audio group and I wouldn't hesitate to purchase a Scoutmaster based on my sonic preferences. But, choices will be driven by sonic priorities here, because the Nottingham is a very good table.

Sailfishben, if you want some additional insight into the what an upgrade from Scout to Scoutmaster might bring, also look at the posts from fellow Audiogon'er Slipknot1. The improvement in his system after making this upgrade was dramatic, and I suspect he and Etbaby would agree point for point about the merits of making this upgrade.

As Etbaby suggests, if you want to take it even further, add a motor controller to the mix. If you do so, the Walker Audio motor controller is even better sonically than the VPI SDS, but you'll have to decide if the added cost is worth it to you. Slipknot1 will tell you it was for him.
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howie
230 posts
 
I've been thinking of getting into vinyl for a while and have been pondering the same combinations. What about the phonostage? Wouldn't that possibly bring the biggest upgrade for the least amount of money in this setup?
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