2. analog
  3. 137277-112139

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 1 response by liamowen

liamowen
197 posts
 
My experience is that if you want great sound from LP's, you have to drop some serious cash to get there.

I started with the Rega Rp6 with the Exact 2 cartridge, Pass Labs XP15 phonostage (Solid State) and Conrad Johnson ET5 preamp (tube) and Conrad Johnson monoblocks.

I couldn't believe how bad the sound was, so I checked with my dealer.  He basically said that I needed to spend a lot more; thousands more, or get out of the record business.

I ended up getting a Rega RP10 with the Apheta 2 cartridge and a Clear Audio Smart Matrix Pro record cleaning machine.  I think the record cleaning machine had as much to do with the sound improvement as the RP10.  But, now I am happy.  Everything sounds great, and good recordings on LP sound way better than good recordings on the Oppo Modwright 105 CD player (which sounds pretty good on its own).

Happy listening.
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