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#1
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Prime or Prime Scout? I’m considering turntables and was gravitating toward a Prime Scout, but I have to consider if it’s worth stepping up to the Prime. The 3D arm is cool, but I wonder if the price difference is worth it.
What cartridges are recommended for these tables? Thanks!
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JR Media Room: Raidho D1; JL fathom f112v2 subs (2); JL CR-1 crossover; PS Audio BHK Pre; PS BHK 300 amps (2); PS DirectStream DAC; PS P15 PowerPlant; Oppo BDP-105; Pro-ject RPM 9.2; Sumiko EVO III; Sonos Connect; JR Systems cabinet; Aptitlig-IsolateIt platforms; Gateway PC running Roon server; Harmonic Technology audio cables; PS Audio power cables |
#2
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IMHO the 3D arm is really where it's at. I've had Scout, Classic and now Prime. I really liked the Classic look but prefer the Prime sound. Lot's of VPI owners like SoundSmith cartridges. I had a Zephyr on my Classic and on my Prime. Did just about everything right. Another popular choice is the VAS NOVA. Harry Weisfeld has a few available that he had Steve Leung build special for his preferences. Cartridges are like automobiles and everyone has a different opinion. I didn't see a phono stage in your profile so allot would depend on that.
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VPI Prime/Grado Reference Master, VPI 16.5 RCM, Audio Research LP1, Audio Research VSI60, Martin Logan Electromotion ESL, ClearDay and Audio Sensibility Cables |
#3
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I had the Zephyr on my Prime and it sounded great!
George
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Wilson Audio Sasha 2|Pair of BalancedForce212's ML No536|ML No52 Reference VPI Avenger Plus w/ Transfiguration Proteus Esoteric D-02X|Aurender N100H|Esoteric K-01xs MIT Oracle SC and IC Transparent Reference Power |
#4
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There is a significant performance improvement with the Prime compared to the Prime Scout, as would be expected given their price difference. It's not a small change but an across the board better execution of VPI's design objectives which is easily heard in a comparative audition.
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#5
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If you can swing it, go Prime. I have the Scout and it’s a great TT, but the Prime is a big step up. Better motor, deck, platter, feet and arm. I also recommend a Soundsmith cart and the Zephyr is great. You can’t go wrong w either.
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2 Channel: McIntosh C1100 pre amp, MC152 amp, MB50 streamer, VPI scout turntable w Soundsmith Zepher MIMC cart, Harbeth C7ES3 speakers w Rel T/9i sub, Esoteric K-05xs SACD player. Home Theater:Onkyo RZ-720, Pioneer Elite BDP-53, Polk RTIs 6-channel, SVS sub, Samsung 4K TV. |
#6
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Great feedback guys. So much more than I wanted to spend but likely worth it!
I’ve heard Soundsmith and met the mad scientist owner at a show and was very impressed. Phono amp is a basic Musical Fidelity unit, likely not worthy of this rig.
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JR Media Room: Raidho D1; JL fathom f112v2 subs (2); JL CR-1 crossover; PS Audio BHK Pre; PS BHK 300 amps (2); PS DirectStream DAC; PS P15 PowerPlant; Oppo BDP-105; Pro-ject RPM 9.2; Sumiko EVO III; Sonos Connect; JR Systems cabinet; Aptitlig-IsolateIt platforms; Gateway PC running Roon server; Harmonic Technology audio cables; PS Audio power cables |
#7
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I just bought a Pro-ject RPM 9.2 with a Sumiko Evo III cartridge. Terrific close-out deal from Audio Advisor. I figure I’ll dip my toe into the vinyl world with a decent rig and maybe go all in with the far more costly Prime/Soundsmith combo down the road.
Thanks again for the feedback!
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JR Media Room: Raidho D1; JL fathom f112v2 subs (2); JL CR-1 crossover; PS Audio BHK Pre; PS BHK 300 amps (2); PS DirectStream DAC; PS P15 PowerPlant; Oppo BDP-105; Pro-ject RPM 9.2; Sumiko EVO III; Sonos Connect; JR Systems cabinet; Aptitlig-IsolateIt platforms; Gateway PC running Roon server; Harmonic Technology audio cables; PS Audio power cables |
#8
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Good job JR........................that's a good turntable.
![]() Be extra careful with that cartridge..........that stylus sticks way out. ![]() Ron
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A/V Processor: McIntosh MX-150. Amps: McIntosh MC207. Digital Sources: PS Audio DirectStream DAC, Bridge II, sonicTransporter i7 w/Roon, Oppo UDP-205. Phono Preamp: Gold Note PH-10. Analog Sources: Gold Note Pianosa, Donatello Gold. Speakers: Sonus faber Cremona Auditor M, Sonus faber Cremona Center M, Sonus Faber Wall Domus, JL Audio e112 Sub. Wires: DIY Speaker Cable Furez FZ102AS 10-2, Blue Jeans Cable LC-1 Audio Cables, Belden 1800F XLR, Monoprice HDMI and Power Cords. Power: PS Audio Quintet, Duet, Emotiva CMX-2. |
#9
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Thanks Ron. It does indeed. I got the matching dust cover/cat repellant just in case!
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JR Media Room: Raidho D1; JL fathom f112v2 subs (2); JL CR-1 crossover; PS Audio BHK Pre; PS BHK 300 amps (2); PS DirectStream DAC; PS P15 PowerPlant; Oppo BDP-105; Pro-ject RPM 9.2; Sumiko EVO III; Sonos Connect; JR Systems cabinet; Aptitlig-IsolateIt platforms; Gateway PC running Roon server; Harmonic Technology audio cables; PS Audio power cables |
#10
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![]() Quote:
Without one, I had good results using compressed air in a can and a fan makeup brush for once a week or so dust cleaning. Ron
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A/V Processor: McIntosh MX-150. Amps: McIntosh MC207. Digital Sources: PS Audio DirectStream DAC, Bridge II, sonicTransporter i7 w/Roon, Oppo UDP-205. Phono Preamp: Gold Note PH-10. Analog Sources: Gold Note Pianosa, Donatello Gold. Speakers: Sonus faber Cremona Auditor M, Sonus faber Cremona Center M, Sonus Faber Wall Domus, JL Audio e112 Sub. Wires: DIY Speaker Cable Furez FZ102AS 10-2, Blue Jeans Cable LC-1 Audio Cables, Belden 1800F XLR, Monoprice HDMI and Power Cords. Power: PS Audio Quintet, Duet, Emotiva CMX-2. |
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