Phono Pre-amp for Analog Newbie

I'll let others recommend the equipment. For record cleaning machines, you can't go wrong with the Record Doctor II cheap and effective.

I've used mine for 2 years now and it works like a champ.

You will not be disappointed with the choice of the Scoutmaster.
Cartridge : Dynavector 20X or 17D MKII
RCM : VPI 16.5 The Record Doctor is a great value at 200.00 (I used one for several years), but the 16.5 is much better.
Record cleaning fluids : Audio Intelligent two step, by AudiogoNer Paul Frumkin.
Brushes : Record Doctor, or the Music Direct clones.
Phono stage : depending on your budget, Aesthetix Rhea, Graham Slee, Lehmann Black Cube

I left out the very good Whest 20 from my recommendation above on a phono pre. That should be on your "short list" as well...

What is your budget on a phono pre? The Scoutmaster TT would be a good choice IMO. You could mate a nice ZYX R100 from Mehran (Sorosound) and have a great rig (assuming you are going with the package and doing the JMW 9 tonearm). A Grado Sonata would be another good cart too for that TT/Tonearm.

Now the part you may not want to hear; I would strongly recommend a two chennel preamp and a phono pre to bypass your HT. Again, depending on your budget maybe an ARC LS16 and PH3 (around $2500 for the pair). I think the LS16 has an HT "passthrough" so you could have dedicated two chennel and still play with surround all in the same system. Just my opinion but, I don't think you can realize the full potential of a good analog rig running it through an HT pre-amp.

Look for a VPI 16.5 to clean your records. I wouldn't worry about balanced connections, but don't forget phono cables (I have heard very good things about the new Cardas for around $300).

Chris

It's realy a case of what is your budget.

Usual recommendations for the Scout Master/Scout are the Dynavectors as mentioned by Slipknot1, the Sumiko Blackbird. Maybe the Lyra Dorian. The best cartridge I have used with my Scout is the Benz M0.9, but this hasn't been in production for several years.

As for phono stages - Trigon Vanguard II, Monolithic Sound, Rogue Audio Stealth all go well with the 20XH, as I have owned all three (and the 20XH)

For accessories, I would recommend the KAB Speedstrobe. Very easy to set the correct speed. I have the Wally Tractor and VTA guage coming, so I haven't tried those yet. I use the protractor from the Hi-fi news test record for now.

Get yourself a nice set of Imperial hex drivers, as they make adjusting the tonearm much easier. McMaster-Carr will have these.

Get a bubble level from Home Depot to level the turntable.

I have the Scout, not the Scoutmaster, but the key with the Scout is to isolate the motor vibration from the rest of the turntable. There are a few posts - possibly here, but for sure st the Audio Asylum on this topic.

That's all I can think of for now.