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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.
Ag insider logo xs@2xmayoradamwest

Showing 6 responses by soundwatts

soundwatts
221 posts
 
I think that you will be happy with either.  I originally bought the Prime Scout and ended up upgrading.   The Ortofon Cadenza Bronze is a great cartridge for you considering the rest of your system.

Where in NJ are you?  Audio Nexus in Summit can demo the tables for you.

PM me and I can send you my cell phone.
soundwatts
221 posts
 
No Worries. I think you would be very happy with a Prime Scout and Ortofon Quintet Bronze since it is a bit on the warm side.

Had the Prime Scout for a year and was thrilled with it. I too was buying it as secondary to digital. But ended up not listening to digital for a year now.

Upscale Audio is in Cali and Kevin is a great VPI dealer.

He has a version of the scout that is in-between the prime and prime scout that will last you a lifetime and is a great deal. See the youtube link below

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbCsBKR8nd0
soundwatts
221 posts
 
Sorry I corrected it to quintet bronze which is around 700 dollars VS cadenza so for less than the price of the prime you will have an almost prime with a great cartridge and its a warm sounding combo 
soundwatts
221 posts
 
NIce gillatgh.   Its a super table
soundwatts
221 posts
 
Agree with bigbobbydmoney. The scout is a great value table but for 700 dollars more you get a super scout from Kevin Deal at upscale audio with about 3400 of upgrades. The vta on the fly base a jmw10 tonearm and the 20 pound classic platter as well as the stainless steel and delrin clamp. Add an ortofon quintet bronze and you are at 3600 for a world class table. Probably the best deal in audio today.
soundwatts
221 posts
 
@Pauleladue I just picked up the prime signature as well. What are your impressions? 
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