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VPI Industries Turntables Made in USA |
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#1
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Have a traveler-considering a scout.
Last year, I bought my first ever table, a VPI Traveler that I got a nice price on from a dealer who had used it as a floor demo unit. The table has worked great for me; but, unfortunately, the traveler is sort of an "all inclusive" package. I can upgrade the cartridge, of course, but everything else, per my understanding, is pretty well set in stone. Aside from the good price, I wasn't sure how I'd feel about vinyl; I'd been a digital guy as long as I could remember and the only experience I really had with vinyl was listening to record with my Dad in the early 80s.
Fast-Forward a year: 90% or more of my listening is vinyl and I'm starting to consider upgrading my table. I'd like something that's reasonably configurable and, in addition to being pretty happy with my Traveler, the styling of most of the VPI tables works really well in our home (keeping the wife happy!) I suppose my question is: is the Scout enough of an upgrade? Is it a solid platform on which to continue to upgrade (perhaps from the JMW9 to JMW10 or a 3D printed tonearm) or should I be looking at something like the Classic or Prime (both of which would take me a lot longer to acquire initially). Or, to be frank, should I stick with my Traveler, upgrade the cartridge, and just enjoy? |
#2
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I'd be interested to hear what VPI owners say on this as well. I've been eyeing the Prime for a while now myself. I like the VTA adjustability on the fly.
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#3
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I just bought a used Oracle Delphi MkII. Got me back into vinyl. Deciding whether to upgrade the Oracle or move to the Prime.
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Analog: VPI Classic Direct (12" Fatboy) with Ortofon A95 cartridge; Ortofon ST-80SE Transformer; McIntosh C2500. Digital: SilenZio Gen 3 High Performance Media Server; Esoteric K-03X. Supporting System: McIntosh MX122 A/V Center; MC205 Amplifier; Bryston 14bSST2 Amplifier; PS Audio P10 Power Reconditioner; Revel Salon 2 Mains; Revel Voice 2 CC; JL Audio f113v2 (2); JL Audio CR-1 Crossover; Focal IC1002 Surrounds |
#4
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What cartridge do you have?
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#5
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Nalthien, since you now listen to 90% of your music on vinyl. I would think you would appreciate the Prime or the Classic and then not worry about upgrading again. A better cartridge will also provide an improved listening experience. I am a fan of VPI. I wish I wasn't as lazy as I am. I tend to leave my VTA set in the middle between 180gr and 140/150gr records, instead of making constant adjustments, and it still sounds great.
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Paul Harbeth 40.3 XD, Sound Anchor stands w/ Stillpoints, Luxman M900 & C900, Aurender N20, Jay's Audio CDT3 - MK3 CD player, Mola Mola Tambaqui DAC, Shunyata Denali 6000/s V2, Altaira |
#6
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Right now, I'm using the Ortofon 2M Red that came with my Traveler. My first order of business, regardless of the table, is to change that out. My top runner at the moment is the Sumiko Blue Point EVO LOMC. I know that'll make a huge difference on its own.
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#7
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If you don't have a good record cleaning machine I would recommend getting one. It is a great bang for the buck upgrade to SQ. You could keep an eye on Audiogon or the forums, there are always people trading up. A used Prime can be had for around 3K. Last edited by advanced101; 03-29-2016 at 03:15 PM. |
#8
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As to the cartridge; yes, that's literally the first item on my list. I will almost certainly order it in the next few weeks. |
#9
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The nice thing about the Scout (I would look for a Scoutmaster or other upgraded model) is the 9" arm-wands come up on the used market quite often. Is a relatively inexpensive way to do some cartridge swapping in the future. I agree with Mikey (Michael Fremer) that the stiffness of a 9" arm is more important than the slight tracking error improvement of longer arms. The 9" arms are much 'handier' in use, as well.
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Glenn... Clearaudio SM Pro Focal Bathys JLA 10" Dominion Kuzma Stabi S w/MC & MM Magnepan 1,7i McIntosh MA8950 Oppo 203 Roon Nucleus Rose Hifi RS150B Shunyata Gemini-4 Sony ST-A6B, TA-F6B & PS-X75 Sorane SA1.2 & TA-1L Stillpoints LP1v2 WW Pt, Au & Ag Last edited by Formerly YB-2; 03-30-2016 at 09:00 AM. |
#10
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