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LOOKING TO MAKE A TURNTABLE CHANGE, HOPEFULLY AN IMPROVEMENT

 I started with a VPI Scout, and then upgraded to a VPI Scoutmaster. I find the sound of my CD collection to be superior. Vinyl advocates insist that I am missing the boat and claim vinyl delivers the sonic goods.
 I was advised that the acrylic platter that came with my Scoutmaster was the reason the sound was not up to par.
 The cost to upgrade the Scoutmasster with  a steel platter and bearing is $1000.00.  Not looking
 to spend any more money with VPI. Not knocking their products, just have spent much money with them with
 less than expected results. Assuming I wish to listen to my 180-200 gram vinyl recordings I am looking for
 alternatives. I wish to stay loyal to my audio dealer who is always there to help me. He sells Project, VPI and
 Thorens. I would sell my Scoutmaster which should net me about $1000.00, and I would put $1500.00 of my own
money toward a new turntable.  Any thoughts?  Thank you in advance.  Note: I am sure VPI makes a wonderful
product, but I have not perfsonally had a great audio experience. 
kjl1065

Showing 6 responses by bpoletti

bpoletti
1,557 posts
 
@wcfeil - My opinion....

I don't have any problem with VPI arms.  I'm using an ancient JMW Memorial 12, VPI's original 12" arm, with excellent results.  

What arms are the "weak link?"
bpoletti
1,557 posts
 
In my opinion....

VPI "feet" are not very effective. The tweak of choice seems to be placing VPI tables on Stillpoint cones or Bear Claws. The differences are obvious and positive.

My suggestion is to try this tweak before spending money on major upgrades or a different table. Rest the table on cones alone. Adjust the height of the motor on Vibrapod pucks or a paperback book or a paperback book on Vibrapod pucks, if necessary. If the tweak works for you, remove the VPI feet completely to improve the table even more improvement.

Might also experiment with placing the table on cones facing up with a maple butcher block under the cones on top of your current shelf.

Just my opinion.  
bpoletti
1,557 posts
 
@wcfeil - Fanboys?  How condescending you are.  
bpoletti
1,557 posts
 
@stereo5 @andysf 

Let's not feed the troll.  As @stereo5 reported about his previous posts, his current trolling does not indicate he has changed.  He does not seem interested in constructive comments.  
bpoletti
1,557 posts
 
There is so much in table set-up and tweaks.  We can recommend until we're blue in the face.  But in the end, all that may REALLY be needed are some good tweaks that will help your existing system perform at a higher level.  Cones under the plinth, motor vibration isolation, [maybe] a different platter.  careful leveling and cartridge setup.  Maybe a different cartridge....  

All these tweaks can help significantly improve your existing [potentially much better than average] vinyl playback system.
bpoletti
1,557 posts
 
@bac2vinylMy opinion and experience....

I had the complete opposite of what you described.  I spent a LOT on CD playback, especially on the DAC.  I enjoy buying and playing CDs.  They are clean, but a bit smeared compared to vinyl.  Subtle dynamics and soundstage are lost with CDs.  subtle details are lost in the "noise floor" where vinyl details are present through that slightly higher noise floor.  In spite of all the money I've spent, I'll never be able to say that good CDs sound as good or better than good vinyl.  
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