Goin nuts deciding which Scout upgrade

Both the Scout and the Scoutmaster really benefit from the addition of a motor controller. The VPI SDS is around 1000.00, and the Walker Precision Motor Controller http://www.walkeraudio.com around 1700.00 (with the Valid Points and Discs). Stable speed and ease of switching between 45 and 33 made a big difference in both the Scout and Scoutmaster in my system.
The upgrade to the JMW Signature arm is probably the way to go (700.00 with the trade of your stock arm). The differences between the two arms are not subtle. Be prepared to wait a bit for a Signature arm though. VPI seems to be a bit behind in meeting the demand. In addition, the 300.00 you'll have left over from the arm upgrade will make for nice seed money toward a motor controller.

Stiltskin,
Six weeks and holding, awaiting the new siggy arm. Sent Sheila a check for the upgrade, she told me to hold onto my arm until they ship me the new one. Good thing too. Other wise, I would be six weeks so far without my TT. Me thinks VPI may be a victim of their own success, a bit backlogged on getting arms out...

Stanhifi,
Do have any experience with ANY of the equipment you bash in these threads? Or are you just a dysfunctional troll?
You seem to have pretty strong opinions on everything, yet you don't have the cajones to post your own rig.
Step up to the plate, show the group where your rigid perspective on gear is coming from, or shut up. I for one am sick and tired of you invading every thread with negative commentary.

Rushton,
I think what has happened in my turntable journey, is that the sum of the parts has created a synergy. Each tweak, upgrade, addition has served to enhance the fine properties of the stock table. The Signature tonearm with the Nordost wiring is still breaking in, but I think it's biggest change has been in fleshing out detail in recordings. Folks who are contemplating moving up from the stock Scout need to keep in mind that the S-SM upgrade is about 900.00, the JMW9-9 Sig upgrade adds another 700.00, the addition of the VPI SDS is another 1000.00 (In my case after auditioning both the SDS and the Walker Motor Controller, I went with the Walker at 1500.00). After all is said and done, the Scoutmaster Signature with a motor controller will put your cash outlay at roughly what the cost of an Aries 2 from VPI will cost. Anyone contemplating this should try to log some time listening to both tables to determine their personal preferance. A tough call to be sure given the fact that the tables have the same design philosophy behind them.