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vpi super SSM rim drive vs grand prix monaco

I am narrowing choices for a "final" turntable, upgrading from a Rega planar 9. If one believes the Monaco white paper, belt drive will always have ongoing audible speed variations. With a good arm, the monaco is about triple the price the turntable/arm setup of an SSM "reference." By all accounts, the combo of rim drive and the "synchronous drive system" seems to achieve the same design goals and much less cost. I intend to check for myself in the new year, and will report. I question how much the audible difference is beween these 2 tables in a revealing system (aesthetix io/atlas/vandy 5a) electronics and speaker). Any opinions about synergy beween that system and turntable and a comparison between the 2 tables would be appreciated.
Thanks, and happy holidays, Tom
tompoodie

Showing 3 responses by stringreen

stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,516 posts
 
oops...forgot one more thing. That now rust colored rubber O-ring around the rim drive has to seat itself properly. Make sure the entire ring is properly seated in its groove. In addition, it has to seat itself properly...just play the table of a couple of days and it will be dead silent with absolutely no wobble.
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,516 posts
 
Superscout Rim Drive benefits from sitting on one piece of thick Butcher Block. I know it's expensive, but bite the bullet and have at it...not an insignificant upgrade
stringreen's avatar
stringreen
6,516 posts
 
Yes indeed...setup is critical with these tables, but easily doable which yield fabulous results. There are current additions to the original. If the SuperScout you are looking at has metal feet on the motors, they have been replaced by a soft rubber set. The formerly black rubber around the rim drive itself has been replaced by a rust colored one. The reason I said that Butcher Block should be used is because any unwanted vibration set up on a soft (Gingko-like) platform will cause an oscillation which is sent to the platter and thus to the arm...giving that "bobble dance". My Superscout Rim Drive is absolutely stable and sounds fabulous...no desire to find anything else. I too have the feet, the heavy platter, etc.
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