Any experience with VPI Super Prime scout with 10.5 inch tone arm


I was wondering if anyone has any experience with VPI Super Prime scout with 10.5 inch tonearm or just VPI turntables in general and if the arms are any good?

Thinking about adding a turntable to my rig but the last time I tried an old vintage one.. it was a train wreck. Back in the 1980s I had a Thorens TD320 that was pretty good... but didn’t have a good cartridge or phono preamp.

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I have an older Prime with the 3D 10.5 Uni Pivot and I like it.

Some folks have issue with the uni pivot but I have no problems and I switch carts every couple of weeks.  I think it tracks great.  For me, the anti-skate is easy also.  VTF on the fly is also a good feature if you're into that.

I use a Modwright PH9.0XT phono stage and currently running a vintage Sumiko Talisman S.

I have had  a couple VPI ScoutMaster  tables *& arms. The unipivot  arm is different, in that it wobbles some when cued for the 1st second as it finds its equilibrium. I always used the cuing lever so I never thought it to be a problem. Different, but no issues. I can see where those who want to set the arm down on the record might have some issues. But that is the best way to scratch an album with any arm, IMO. So just use the cuing lever. I'd still have a VPI TT if I hadn't found the Teres of my dreams (love the cocobolo) I don't know about the Super Prime Scout but VPI makes good products and has good customer service  IME.

I believe it is/was a package put together for Upscale Audio but not certain. It looks like a Scout 21 plinth with Prime upgrades

I’m a long time owner of the original VPI Scout with Uni-Pivot arm. I upgraded to the 10.5” 3D tonearm a couple years ago and am completely satisfied. I don’t mind the wobble of the uni-pivot tone arm and of the opinion it tracks better than a non pivot arm (my opinion). I’ve had the itch to upgrade to a more expensive TT, but every time I go and listen to other brands I can’t hear a noticeable difference.

Another VPI Prime Scout / 10.5 3D Printed Unipivot happy camper. I know some people think unipivots are the evil spawn of Satan, but the fact is they have no bearing slop, no bearing chatter, and no binding. And for the life of me I've never seen it wobble when playing. The 10.5" length minimizes tracing error with my Hana SH cart, and the VPI adjustable height mechanism more than compensates for the awkward counterweight setting.  I've had zero problems with acoustic feedback so kudos to VPI for the plinth and feet. Finally, there's the overall appearance. The thick plinth and thicker, 22lb (!) platter combined with the washing machine sized motor make a ... uhh ... massive ... statement. It's industrial art, and i like it. I suppose I could chase some unobtainable goal for a lot more money, but for under $5k with cart, I am very satisfied.

I have a Superscoutmaster with 3D arm....it's fine....if one doesn't like the wobble, put on 2nd pivot....very cheap and good.

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I have one that I upgraded to the 10" 3D reference gimbaled arm. I think the gimbaled is a vast improvement over the unipivot. I also added the Prime signature feet with Segue Iso Acoustic isolators in place of the rubber ones and the matching platform. Its listed on Us Audio mart right now

I had a VPI SPS 10.5" with ADS as an upgrade from Thorens TD203 (total POS). I recently traded it in (was pulling teeth to get Upscale to accept the trade in of a TT I purchased from them. Not cool, IMHO) to get a Rega Naia. 
Two complaints: there is a 8 second delay to spin up from 33 to 45 with the ADS, even if selecting 45 from the get go. -- External motor started to develop some grinding noise, most likely a bearing issue. Had to carefully place motor just far enough that belt would still engage (not slip) but put minimal lateral force on spindle to avoid grinding noise.

Re the VTA adjustment, which I thought would be something important, I could barely hear it with a Soundsmith Zephyr MIMC* cart. I had to play digital and vinyl at the same time, switch sources quickly and then I could hear a tiny bit of a difference in the magnitude of the difference. I could not hear any difference even by massively changing VTA just on the record itself. So unless I have same record both digitally as well as on vinyl, it was impossible to hear anything. So adjusting for thickness of record and a like was not possible. That's why my new TT has no VTA adjustment.
Re unipivot, the freedom of movement is certainly advantageous, but also permits movement in axes that are not desirable. From that perspective, a well-designed gimbal is better. 

Bottom line, the VPI was a good intermediate step, but not for too long.

I have a lowline VPI that has been excellent.

I would suggest that in addition to VPI, you look at Well Tempered. If I ever upgrade (doubtful) it would likely be to a WT.

I have a VPI that uses the Memorial 10.5 unipivot   tonearm.  Like many, I prefer the unipivot  design, but I want to share two essential 'tweeks'.

A. When installed, the tonearm rests in a 'cup', and VPI recommends the adding a viscous oil to this cup to dampen unwanted tonearm vibration (I got mine from VPI).  It really works - Simple, effective and no 'snake oil' needed ;-)

B. Purchase and use the 'Anti-Intuitive' counterweight accessory from Soundsmith.  Again, simple, effective and it makes tonearm set up a 1000x easier.

Good luck and enjoy your TT.

Thanks to all who shared their experience. Not sure if I am going this route but if I do get a TT it will be a VPI model.