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VPI Prime or Scout or ???

Hi all,

I’m new to record players. I’ve always been a digital music person. That said, I’ve got s nice setup now and am looking for a record player for occasional records. I won’t be too serious about it and digital will remain my main source.

i know with some of the higher end players there is a learning curve but was hoping for something not too difficult to learn.

Being from NJ, I was pretty interested in VPI. I’m not sure I quite understand the differences between the Prime and Prime Scout. The Prime would probably be near the top of my budget. Also, I have no idea which cartridge to get. 

For context, I’ll mostly be listening to vintage jazz and rock. The turntable would feed into the Phono stage of my Mytek Manhattan. Any suggestions welcome! There is a pretty good deal on a Prime Scout I’m looking at so that’s why I figured I’d ask the experienced people here.
mayoradamwest

Showing 13 responses by mayoradamwest

mayoradamwest OP
430 posts
 
Any suggestions on a cartridge? Prime is already at the top of my budget and I don’t believe it comes with one?
mayoradamwest OP
430 posts
 
Mytek Manhattan Phono Stage, to McIntosh C47 to McIntosh MC452 to B&W 802 D3. Looking for a nice warm sound (particularly for jazz). 
mayoradamwest OP
430 posts
 
Our of curiosity I see conflicting info. If I got the Prime or Scout, do I need help setting it up? I’m still a bit split. I like the Grado suggestions as long as they aren’t too expensive. I’m feeling the the Prime might bust my budget. 
mayoradamwest OP
430 posts
 
Sorry to confuse. I’m in CA and I don’t see a place to demo. I’m from NJ originally. Also getting a VPI rack to round out my NJ components. Mytek is from nearby Brooklyn. The struggle I have it that I know the turntable will always be the secondary input to the digital. Thanks again so far for suggestions. Much appreciated. 
mayoradamwest OP
430 posts
 
@soundwatts that cartridge is more expensive than the scout. Should I be spending more on the table or cartridge? Equal? 
mayoradamwest OP
430 posts
 
@gillatgh  It sounds like you basically have a Prime though. I’m just not sure if I’d notice or appreciate the differences between the prime and scout. Seems like mixed feedback this far. 
mayoradamwest OP
430 posts
 
For some reason I didn’t think Upscale Audio was in CA. I’m in SoCal pretty regularly so I may pop down there. The downside is paying an extra 9.5% sales tax though, which is quite a lot in this case. I 
mayoradamwest OP
430 posts
 
To be honest, after watching numerous youtube videos on setup, and reading more reviews, I'm leaning towards just getting a Rega (RP8, RP10, or similar)
mayoradamwest OP
430 posts
 
@gochurchgo the 1200GR, to me, is not particularly attractive table. The SL-1200G is a little better, but still not as good looking as the VPI.
mayoradamwest OP
430 posts
 
Will it really sound that much better than a similarly priced Rega?
mayoradamwest OP
430 posts
 
For those following along, I do appreciate all the feedback in this thread. I think the advice that I most took to heart was finding a local shop. I did just that. There is an amazing shop very close to me with selection of turntables, speakers, and components. After listening and discussion with the owner about my setup, we landed on a Rega RP8 with an Ortofon Black cartridge. He’s going to do the setup for me and he has the same one on demo so he can show me everything I need to know. Hearing the table (vs several others) and reading reviews, I think I’m going to be quite happy with this setup. Luckily, he also has 100% trade in credit towards another table if I’m not happy. 

So the moral of the story here is probably that the best advice was to find a local shop. I learned way more from doing that than reading any review. 
mayoradamwest OP
430 posts
 
thanks @mulveling it's the Quintet Black. I auditioned with the Quintet Bronze but figured why not spend an extra $150 for the Black. I'm not sure I really understand the sound difference between the different lines, but the owner of the shop seemed to prefer the Quintet pairing with the RP8.
mayoradamwest OP
430 posts
 
I’ve been using the Rega for a few days now and it sounds spectacular. I’m not sure what improvements I’d get with more expensive TTs, but I’m happy. I have a pretty amazing setup for digital, and most of the records I’ve played sound better than the digital version. I’m using the Phono stage in the Mytek Manhattan II so the path is exactly the same for digital, but the turntable path is 100% analog. Very impressed so far.
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