2. analog
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VPI table, cart and phonostage? - Novice.

I am strongly considering getting back into vinyl. I've got 200+ lps in boxes, many relatively new.

My current digital setup is Bel Canto PL-1 Universal player, Krell HTS 7.1 prteamp, Bel Canto 6 channel amp, B & W N 805 speakers. I play mainly Classical and Jazz.

Houston has almost no high end TT dealers. The one store I went into had a Nottingham Spacedeck and I heard a 45 rpm Belafonte disc, and got the vinyl concept in my brain. Wow!

I probably will get a VPI, based mainly on reviews and reputation...also made in USA!

Scout or Scoutmaster? Is there that big a difference? Both are Stereophile Class B,I believe. Are there carts that are "wasted" by putting them on a scout, whereas on a scoutmaster you get that extra value you paid for? Basically, to what level of cart would you go on a scout or scoutmaster?

Should I get a aolid state or tube phono stage for these TTs? Any suggestions. I am somewhat open minded about budget, but I want to get components that are about in the same league. I mean, a $1.5K TT with a $5K cart and a $7K phono stage seems crazy, or does it?

Is the SDS worth getting for either of these?

Also, does anybody out there think I, a novice, can install a cart and set it up myself without an analog saavy compadre around? I've read the beginners guide to cart setup and its not rocket science, so I think I can.

Thanks for the input.
dolifant

Showing 1 response by jamnperry

jamnperry
123 posts
 
I totally agree with Sberger that the Scoutmaster is much better, and even more so with the ring, which you can't use on the Scout.
As far as cartridges and phono amps go, you'll get a very wide and bewildering range of opinions. Best to narrow down exactly how much you want to spend. The Scoutmaster is certainly capable of revealing refined differences between them. Better to define what you want it to sound like, or match to your other components or room acoustics.
Myself, I'm using the Whest phono stage with a Shelter 501. I am happy with the combo, but also plan to upgrade to the new JMW 9 Signature arm when it becomes available soon. You might want to look into that too. It sounds like another killer upgrade from VPI.
For sure, though, you'll be happy with the table.
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