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. 
128x128kjl1065
60 responses Add your response
tzh21y
1,654 posts
 
the Scoutmaster is a nice table.  not sure what you are missing?  1000.00 for it is too low.
tzh21y
1,654 posts
 
that new Technics 1200G is a Killer table for the money.  you might be done for good with one of them.
tzh21y
1,654 posts
 
look for an older Mission 774 with Mechanic or Zeta tonearm.  it is one of the best tables I have ever heard at any price.
bac2vinyl
78 posts
 
Yea, like dropping another $1000 to improve sound that still won't surpass Cd's is going to help his situation. On a table at that...
bpoletti
1,552 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.
tzh21y
1,654 posts
 
the 774sm is the arm.  775sm is the table.
soundermn's avatar
soundermn
344 posts
 
I used to read this forum a lot more than I do now. This thread is a perfect example of why. 

OP hasn’t said what’s wrong with his system, or really even shared much about his equipment. Yet several supposed experts are telling him to go spend thousands on their favorite TT, cartridge, to warm or tweak. I’m a little surprised nobody has suggested he change interconnects or power cords.  And, even worse, some of you are arguing over who has a better solution to this unknown problem. 

Instead of of trying to one-up each other, try to help him.  IMO before anyone can help, the key question is what’s wrong with the sound?  What’s better about the digital in comparison?




tzh21y
1,654 posts
 
actually, he is asking about a new table....
bac2vinyl
78 posts
 
Was happy with my Marantz separates until I bought a used Project TT. Thinking why doesn't the vinyl sound better than my Cd's like everyone says, I bought a Scout with black mm2 cart and a phono pre or two, still not as good as my Cd's. Then I read I need a  dedicated two channel system for vinyl, so I added a Parasound A21 and P5 and with the theater bi- pass  which allows to continue enjoying my Marantz. 

After the Vincent Pro 8 and a Parks Audio Budgie phono pre I went for the Decaware ZP3 all tube, badass, handmade phono pre.

Conclusion, after $4k or $5k  just to play vinyl I can say the records can be as  good and certainly different, maybe a little fuller, but I can never say it sounds better than my Cd's. If you have to spend $10K to get to par with digital sound i isn't worth it for me as I am just a working guy. But I enjoy buying and playing records, And the Parasound  A21 provides more balls when I need it so it's all good but Ill never say records sound better. 
bpoletti
1,552 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.  
Log in to respond
More to discover
80x80
CHOIR AUDIO Turntable with SME 3 tonearm
80x80
MoFi X Fender Precision Deck Limited Edition Turntable
80x80
Moerch DP8
SPECIALS