Cartridge upgrade for VPI Scoutmaster

Dyna and Benz cartridges work great with VPI arms. I would stick with these brands.

Madfloyd...why are you letting opinions on the internet drive you nuts. Go listen on your own...if you are near Arizona, you are welcome to hear mine. You won't break anything if you buy your Dyna and put it in a VPI arm if you are resigned to the XV..you can always move on if you are displeased with the results. Call/write Dynavektor and get their opinion.

Srwooten...don't be misled by some venom one poster has sprayed around. The VPI arm is actually very good and the 10.5i is excellent. I have heard many Triplanar, SME, and other arms that don't sound as good as my 10.5i. Who knows what the best is.... a 9mm H&K or a 9mm Smith and Wesson.

Audiofeil...I am a professional violinist. I make a living...a good one....by knowing what to listen for.

I agree with Sonofjim. The upgrade from the 9 Sig to the 10.5 is minimal. If you play with VTA, the 10.5i is very easy to adjust and then return to the original setting while a record is playing thus making it a worthwhile purchase. I have found that power cords can make a huge difference in a stereo system. You don't mention the use of good power cords. I would do that (oops) before anything else except perhaps for a Mint protractor. The proper use of this tool brings the turntable to an entirely new level of performance. Regarding buying used cartridges on line. I know you can save some money, but the purchase is an "iffy" proposition. I bought a couple of cartridges on line...2 were good, but grey market without benefit of dealer or importer support, and one was misrepresented and an ultimate loss. The internet is wild west city. I have tried to post an important find with Vandersteen 5A speakers and it never gets on the internet. I'll try one more time. What is going on....