I have one of the first generation of the Scout turntable. It's at least 10 years old. I am using it with a ZU/Denon moving coil cartridge and a Denon AU 320 SUT. My turntable also has the first generation of the JMW arm. I am thinking of buying a brand new Scout 2 fitted with and expertly set up with a Dynavector DV20XH High output moving coil.
I am definitely set on the choice of turntable and cartridge and my reason for keeping in the Scout line is because I have a very expensive Mapleshade platform that the Scout just fits on. I don't want the hassle of buying and waiting for another platform.
So, with all this being said, do you think it is an upgrade or lateral move? On the plus side, I will have a new turntable, properly set up with a cartridge I know mates well with the JMW arm and the sound which is great for my taste in music. I also like the idea of the aluminum platter and I already have the stainless clamp.
On the minus side, it's about 3,300.00 and will I be getting 3,300.00 in better sound that I have now? So, purchase or not?
I owned one of the early VPI Scout turntables and I was very disappointed in the quality of the table/arm combination. I went to the Basis 2001 and I could not believe the difference. Maybe I just got a lemon, with the Scout, but in my opinion there were too many short-comings for a high end TT.
The biggest difference in sound will come from your transducers. If the table works well, stick with it. Save your money for a new cartridge. With the scratch you will save, you could move up to a Dynavector XX2 Mk II and have enough to get a matching step-up. If you decide to stretch a bit, you could even go to a Te Kaitora Rua. You would be amazed at what a difference either of those make.
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