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Scout Owners: How Much Cartridge?

Just curious how much you would invest in a cartridge for this table. At what price point does the table become a limiting factor in terms of what you can get out of a cartridge. I'm currently using a Dynavector 20XM but am thinking of an upgrade. Should I be considering a new table (perhaps further up the VPI line) or can the Scout (mine has the 300rpm motor upgrade) handle a much better cartridge and still get the most out of it? Thanks.
dodgealum

Showing 4 responses by islandmandan

islandmandan
1,260 posts
 
Hi, I am using a Dynavector XX2MKII on my Scout. I noticed an improvement immediately, but it didn't shine until I put the Signature Arm on it. I have stabilized motor speed with a PS Audio P300 Power Plant, and upgraded my phono stage. This table sounds superb now. If later on you should decide a better table is in order, you won't have to buy a better cartridge to hear the difference, you'll already have it. Works for me.

Enjoy!

Dan
islandmandan
1,260 posts
 
Another tweak I have found to make significant improvement is the Mapleshade Nanomount System. It really helps with clarity, and is only $95. You don't get much to look at for your 95 bucks, but it's what it does that matters. Highly recommended.

Dan
islandmandan
1,260 posts
 
I had a Dorian on my Scout before I got the Dyna XX2MKII.
It sounded good to me, but I got bit by the upgrade bug, then got the Dyna here on the 'Gon. I think the Dynavector carts are a little better match for the VPI tables, Harry W. thinks so, and that's one of the reasons I went to the Dyna's, to see if he was right. I love the XX2MKII, but that's a lot of cartridge for the standard Scout. Better with the Signature arm. Maybe Mr. Feil can enlighten us as to what table in the Scout's price range is better-built, and sounds better. That would be quite useful to us newbies.

Dan
islandmandan
1,260 posts
 
Thanks, Bill for the info, I wish I was in a position to hear more front ends than I am able to, living 100 miles away from an analog dealer makes it difficult. I've had to live and learn.

Jaybo, I'm with you, my front end sounds quite good to my ears, and is soon to get better, as I have sent my Simaudio LP 5.3 in for some custom mods that will really make it shine. When that is done, my system will have reached an equalibrium in all formats, I feel, and that's not bad, considering how shallow are the pockets funding this endeavor.

Regards to all, enjoy,

Dan
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