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Cartridge upgrade for VPI Scoutmaster

Hello All!
I have a VPI Scoutmaster with a Dynavector 20XH. My phonostage, pre amp, and amps are all Pass Labs. IC cables are Harmonic Technology Magic, and speaker cables are Harmonic Technology Magic Tweeter and Pro-9+ in a bi-wired configuration. VSA speakers. My stereo goal- realism.
I have two questions I was hoping to get help with.
1. What would be a great low to medium output cart for my set-up? 2K or less. And why.
2.How risky is it to buy a used cart. Is it worth the $ saved?
Thanks for your input!
Steve
srwooten

Showing 8 responses by audiofeil

audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
>>by knowing what to listen for.<<

Sure you do.

You're the guy who blew a subwoofer amp a month or so ago and didn't realize it for 4-5 days.

Real sharp listening skills.

LOL
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
Zyx R100 Yatra or Dynavector DV-17D3 are both nice upgrades.

The JMW-9 arm is not capable of optimizing most high end cartridges including the Airy 3. It would be a waste of money.

Buy some vinyl with the money you save.
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
I have direct experience with the JMW-9 but not the Signature. If the mechanics remain unchanged and the only difference is Nordost Valhalla wire (yuk) then I have the same opinion.

Which is, a serviceable arm that has resonance issues and will track most low to mid priced cartridges fine. However, it will not even come close to optimizing some of the finer cartridges discussed in the forum. In all fairness, there are other tonearms that won't either.

IMO, VPI builds superb turntables and average tonearms.
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
>I'd like to buy a Dynavector XV-1 and be done with it, but worry that my JMW-9 Signature won't do it justice.<

It won't.

However, very few $1000 tonearms will optimize the XV-1s; you are not alone.

Don't let money burn a hole in your pocket. Find a nice Benz, Clearaudio, Zyx, etc. that works well in your arm until you can afford to upgrade.

The journey is ongoing; very few find the rainbow's end.
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
Yes I know.

My position remains unchanged. The XV-1s cannot be optimized in that tonearm. Nor can the Zyx Universe. Nor can the Transfiguration Orpheus. And on and on.

Thank you.
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
>>I have heard many Triplanar, SME, and other arms that don't sound as good as my 10.5i.<<

I would suspect the TP or SME were not set up properly.

Or perhaps you don't what to listen for.
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
>>12-04-08: Azmoon
I agree that the VPI arm is actually very good and the 10.5i is excellent. Triplanar and SME cannot compare.<<

Please list all of the cartridges you've used along with the specific SME tonearms to support this assertion.

This should be interesting.
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
The phono cable has no effect on loading.

Ralph Karsten (Atma-Sphere) explains this quite thoroughly in a recent thread.
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