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Best cartridge for VPI Scoutmaster Signature

I listened to this turntable today with a Clearaudio cartridge (not sure which one). It sounded fantastic, but I'd like to hear other options.

I like a lot of detail, a deep and tall soundstage, well defined bass... you know, the nirvana we're all looking for.

This will likely be paired with B&W PM1's, a PrimaLuna Dialogue Premium KT88, Simaudio 310LP Phono Stage and Nordost Blue Heaven interconnects.

I mostly listen to classic rock (Floyd, Grateful Dead, Led Zepplin, Dylan, Tom Petty), New Wave (The Cure), indie rock (Boo Radleys, James, Modest Mouse), Shoegaze (Slowdive), and jazz (Mingus, Parker, Coltrane). Obviously I'm naming bands more people here would know, but my taste gets eclectic after these jumping off points.

Any specific cartridges that do well for all of this?
128x128bgupton
9 responses Add your response
moonguy
148 posts
 
I run a Dynavector XX2mk11 on a Superscoutmaster, works great.You could also run a Soundsmith Zepher which works great with VPI's and is a less expensive alternative.

I would suggest you buy the Simaudio 320s power supply as well. I run a Simaudio 610 Evolution phono pre.
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
I'm also running a Dynavector XX-2 mk II with my Scoutmaster with very good results. Dynavector and Lyra always seem to get the most recommendations with VPI tables.
goheelz's avatar
goheelz
297 posts
 
Dynavector for the win at this point. Not a scoutmaster but am using Dyna XX-2mkII with a VPI Aries II Black Knight. Synergy galore. Can't wait to wear out this cart and go up the Dyna line for more of the same.
mcbuddah
93 posts
 
I've been getting really nice tunes from the Grado Statement 1 on my SSM Reference. It's really low output makes it problematic for a lot of phono stages, but your SIM will be up it without need of an SUT. I run mine to a MC-only Thor phono preamp @47k ohms and, like famous Beethoven fan Alex in Clockwork Orange, hear Angel trumpets and devil trombones!

swanny76109
382 posts
 
Another vote for the XX2mk2. I have used this wonderful cart for the last couple years on my VPI Classic 1 with great results. I listen to much of the same music you do, it works great with rock, jazz, really anything. It is very low output and needs a good deal of gain to come alive. I load at 100 ohms on my Pass XP15. Works great on a VPI arm. Good luck!
schubert
7,386 posts
 
Nagoka MP-500 .
markpao
519 posts
 
Another vote for the Dynavector XX2mk2. I use it on my Aries 1. Great synergy. I could also recommend the Benz line. I had the Ruby 3 prior to my Dyna but decided to go for a cartridge with the needle out front were it's easier to align (with these aging eyes). Both are good matches and track very well with VPI arms.
bifwynne
2,206 posts
 
Add Lyra Delos and Kleos to the list. I mounted a Lyra Kleos on my tricked-out VPI Classic (reg 1/2 plinth and Classic 3 tonearm). Phenominal performing combo.

Soundsmith VPI Zephyr is my backup. Works very well with the Classic, but nowhere as good sounding as the Kleos.
robob's avatar
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robob
197 posts
 
Add Lyra Delos and Kleos to the list. I mounted a Lyra Kleos on my tricked-out VPI Classic (reg 1/2 plinth and Classic 3 tonearm). Phenominal performing combo.

They seem to work on the longer heavier VPI arms, but my Kleos had pretty noticeable sibilance on a JMW 9 sig. It does not have such sibilance on my SME 309. Also, the Kleos instructions recommend fixed bearing arms.

Grados and Dynavectors seem to work well on the 9 Sig. I have a 20XH on mine that tracks and sounds good.

Y'all be cool,
Robert A. Ober
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