SCOUTMASTER TO ARIES 3

Just one man's opinion, but if you add the new flywheel/ motor ($900 retail); the SDS; the ring clamp and the center weight, I have to believe the Aries 3 will best the Super Scoutmaster. The Aries 3 has the new sandwich plinth (acrylic/aluminum); can be purchased with the 10.5 arm. Logically, the only advantage the SSM has over the A3 is the HR-X motor. By upgrading to the flywheel/motor, you essentially equal the performance of the HR-X motor. I have the A2 with a 10.5 arm; flywheel/motor; ring clamp and center weight and I am in vinyl heaven. The only advantage the HR-x has over my rig is the suspension, but I am on a cement slab (basement) and I have the table on a custom made 4 1/2" maple butcher block. Not to mention, in my humble opinion, the Aries is nicer looking than the SSM.

Stew3859...I too have the Aries 2 w/10.5 tonearm with the periphery clamp, SDS and center weight, but didn't know that I could add the flywheel motor. If you put it outside the frame on the left side of the original cutout, is the platter belt from the motor spindle the right length on the Aries 2?

Kjl- the Aries 2 is one killer table without the expense of the HRX (sameplatter and inverted bearing, but without getting the extended, you can't get a 12.6 tonearm.
I also have the JMW 9 on a separate TT (Acoustic Sig Final Tool) and the 10.5 is clearly superior.

I wholeheartedly echo Stew's comments re the Aries 2. I have an Aries 2 rig almost identical to Stew's: Aries 2, flywheel/motor, periphery ring, center weight, JMW 10.5 "plus" (with Valhalla wiring upgrade), and SDS. My cartridge is a Helikon. I have not heard a HR-X, but I bet that this comes very close. Stew, where did you get that 4-1/2" maple butcher block that was big enough for your Aries 2 with the flywheel/motor?

FWIW, Harry Pearson of TAS chose the Super Scoutmaster (SSM) and the TNT HR-X for "Golden Ear" awards. He chose the SSM over the various Aries tables, which I thought interesting. You might want to look at the article that Pearson wrote about the SSM before you make your buying decision.

Folks should keep in mind that when the first Scout was issued they were marketed as "Aries Scouts". They are part of the Aries family with a smaller footprint. The Aries 3 is coming out with a plinth design based on the Scoutmaster/Super Scoutmaster plinth. Both have as stock the same 300 rpm motor, they both offer variations on the theme of flywheel, no flywheel, dual HRX motor, etc. The Aries Black Knight (someone correct me if I am wrong) cannot accept the periphery ring. The larger clear acrylic platter of the Scoutmaster/Aries 2 can. The major difference between the Aries and the Scout/Master/SSM is the gloss black of the Aries, the larger footprint of the Aries and the ability to take the JMW 10.5 arm where the Scout series uses the JMW 9/9 Signature. people can argue all day as to which of the two is the better arm and both would be right.