VPI Scout w/ JMW-9 vs Aries w/ JMW-10

Frog pricing is all over the place. New from dealer advertising here is $2500. Two used, one with uncertain hours is sale pending at $850+/-. Another used Frog at $1500.

I recently purchased the Aries/JMW10/Frog used. I've been away from vinyl for over 20 years. LOL! What was I thinking!

I have no regrets over my purchase. ;-)

Best,

Paul :-)

What about the move from the Scoutmaster to the TNT 3.5 - what are the benefits there?

To me the Aries is just an overall superior product. The fit and finish on my Aries is just in another class compared to the Scout I owned. Socially, the difference to me is that the Scout was a bit hyper fast. I liked it but it was ultra dynamic. You may like that.

The clarity, detail, bass, and smoothness of the Aries is amazing. I think the advantages of the scout (speed) have to do with the 9" arm. The 10" arm is just more accurate to my ears. If you want the best of both worlds get a fast cart on the Aries (17d2, Clearaudio etc) and enjoy.

Bottom line, the Scout is a superb starter table. It make sit clear that analog is far superior to any digital source. The Aries (with the longer arm) makes the comparison to digital laughable and the comparison to the Scout makes it look like a starter table.

Good luck
Vik

Totally agree with Vikvilkhu's comment above about the Aries. I decided to go with the Aries Black Knight w. 9" arm and Dynavector 17d2 cartridge. This is a great sounding (and great looking) set up, in my opinion, and it's an interesting variant with much in common with the Scoutmaster, which is getting a lot of attention lately. The Aries is more musically impressive than the Scout, although the Scout is unquestionably a fine table at the price. I imagine the 10" arm could improve the Black Knight somewhat, although the next move for me is to add the SDS speed control unit. I've also listened to the VPI TNT HRX, and I think the Aries gets closer to that reference monster than does the Scout.

Good listening to you,

~Jim

Agree with last couple of posts. The Aries is a step up from the scoutmaster. The original scout is a very good value. The scoutmaster is not the best at it's pricepoint IMHO. The Aries is excellent at it's price.

I have the original Scout and it mates well with the Dyna 17d2.