I have had the Scout and now have the Scoutmaster in my system. I auditioned both the SDS and the Walker Motor Controller. While the SDS made a vast improvement in pace and rhythm, the Walker is in another league altogether. While it is almost twice as much as the SDS, the difference between the two is priceless. Backgrounds are blacker, and the focus and timbre of instruments are very well delineated. That said: I would also add that there have been numerous posts here on AudiogoN about the mass and control of the JMW unipivot arm and it's ability to handle very low compliance carts such as the Denon 103 series and the Shelters. I have three carts that I use with my Scoutmaster/Walker combo: Dynavector 17D MKII, Denon 103, Shelter 501 MKII. All three have their strengths and weaknesses, but all three work very well on the JMW arm, as long as you are willing to invest some time with careful setup and VTA. I currently have the Shelter installed and am enjoying what it does in my system.
If you decide to go the Scout or Scoutmaster route, and can swing the extra money, give serious consideration to an investment in the Walker Motor Controller. You won't regret it.
If you decide to go the Scout or Scoutmaster route, and can swing the extra money, give serious consideration to an investment in the Walker Motor Controller. You won't regret it.