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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.
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1graber2's avatar
1graber2
303 posts
 
OP
this is a no-lose situation for you if you buy used from a reliable dealer. Recs:  

 Call VPI directly and tell them you are a fellow NJ-ersian waning to try vinyl and ask for any demo’s of the Prime or Scout. I called them some years ago, and they had a SCOUMASTER come back from a trade show.

They had also upgraded to the 10.5” arm (like Upscale) and also had an Ortofon cartridge on the arm. They set up the cartridge in NJ and shipped to me: a turnkey unit. I was lucky and am not saying they will have anything. But if you knew the discount I received, which I can’t share out of respect for VPI, you would definitely call them.

*call Upscale as well, they may give you discount. Kevin is the owner, and again, when I called him 2 years ago about a PrimaLuna amp, he sold me a demo at a discount.  

The point is, getting a reliable demo/used TT is safe b/c if you decide you don’t like it, you can just sell it for about the same or a little less than what you paid. So you will only lose a few hundred bucks, but will have scratched your itch for vinyl. 
bigbobbydmoney
7 posts
 
I have the exact same setup as @gillatgh from Upscale Audio. Only addition after a year was an extra arm with a Ortofon quintet mono cartridge. If you purchase from UA, they'll give you a 15% discount on the cartridge and set it up for you. You won't be disappointed, it's an awesome setup! 
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.
bpoletti
1,536 posts
 
AMEN to @1graber2 .  From personal experience, VPI is VERY good to work with and I live 1,000 miles away.  They do want customers to work with local dealers, but will make an "accommodation" to make sure customer's needs are met.
pauleladue
15 posts
 
I recently bought the Prime signature from Upscale.  Still getting to know it.  there is a great video to help setup the prime turntables.  No problem!
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