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VPI Scoutmaster questions.........

Is this table much of an improvement over the Scout? How close could I get with a Scoutmaster with upgrades to the performance of the Superscoutmaster? I am getting close to purchasing my first and hopefully only table (don't want to buy and then upgrade six months from now) soon. I would appreciate any words of wisdom from the turntable crowd. And please don't tell me to get a Teres as I don't have then kind of coin or patience to wait that long. No offense to Teres owners as they are obviously superb machines. Thanks for all the help. You guys and gals make this hobby so much easier for me. I greatly appreciate your help and efforts.
nicksgem10s
rushton's avatar
rushton
2,445 posts
 
Audiogon'r Slipknot1 made the upgrade from the Scout to Scoutmaster and has been very pleased with the improvements. I've heard his system with both and agree with his assessment.
The new motor/bearing combo in the Scoutmaster is SO much quieter. The background is a lot blacker, and the noise floor is much lower. I have noticed, with limited listening thus far, that my system is much more resolving at lower volumes than before. http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?vevol&1069279142&openfrom&78&4#78
If you then add a motor controller, such as the Walker Audio or VPI SDS, the Scoutmaster is very very good. I doubt that you'd be searching for an TT upgrade until much more in your system has changed.
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coffee_nudge
120 posts
 

I upgraded from a Scout to Scoutmaster (and I also have the SDS). The difference is NOT SUBTLE. The Scoutmaster is noticeably better, as Slipknot noted. I found the bass is much tighter, the details much cleaner, and most importantly, the enjoyment much higher. It was certainly worth the reasonble cost ($975) for the upgrade.

I have not had the opportunity to hear the Super Scoutmaster, so I cannot compare. And to be honest, I am quite content (at least for now) with the rig I've got.
sdcampbell
2,136 posts
 
FWIW, Harry Pearson (editor of TAS) chose both the VPI TNT HR-X and the Super Scoutmaster for "Golden Ear" awards. Harry raved about the performance of the "Super", noting that as he improved the quality of the phono stages and preamps used with the "Super", he found the turntable sounded better and better. I know if I had $5k to spend right now on a TT, the "Super" would be my choice.
audiobugged
528 posts
 
Hello Nick, Yes somewhat confusing now almost like Goldilocks and the 3 Bears.... Which Bed, Which Porridge?

Well if money where no object the Super Scoutmaster is the way to go. If your on a budget you could go for a Scout, & add a few upgrades. The Scout, & Scoutmasters Wow & Flutter measurements are the same. The only difference is that since both are non-suspended designs the Scoutmaster adds 15 lbs. of additional mass dampening with it's double plinth design.

I would get a Scout, SDS, and upgrade the following... Ad the new stainless steel record weight, the new seamless anti static black belt, & purchase the 300 rpm motor upgrade kit to replace the Scouts stock 600 rpm motor. With the addition of some sort of isolation platform, or device it would then be a tough difference between the Scoutmaster, & the Scout.

I would spend the difference on a better phone stage, or cartridge instead. Yet the Hrx motor alone on the Super Scoutmaster is worth jumping for if you can stretch the budget?
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